Automated Power Analysis of Onboard Spacecraft Electronics with Model Based Systems Engineering

This paper discusses the challenges of system architecture development with a focus on power consumption estimation and how Model Based Systems Engineering is able to provide a novel improvement to existing development methods. A Power Estimation Framework has been developed by BAE Systems to enable quick turn power estimation feedback during early conceptual development phases while system architectures are evolving. This Power Estimation Framework builds on SysML language constructs to provide automated simulations calculating total system power while leveraging a reusable database of components and source data. Since 2016, BAE Systems has been embracing a new Model Based Systems Engineering paradigm and applying it to their growing collection of space electronics products. Emerging analysis frameworks as discussed in the paper are providing real benefits to the business, justifying continued investment and a long term future for Model Based Systems Engineering.