A MBSE Approach to Satellite Clock Time and Frequency Adjustment in Highly Elliptical Orbit

This paper presents a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to the algorithm used for time and frequency adjustments to satellite clocks in Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO). This algorithm can be considered as a system composed of a number of subsystems described by mathematical functions and therefore benefits from the use of MBSE. Systems Modeling Language (SysML) diagrams are used to describe the algorithm's structure and behavior. Presented first is the algorithm's role in the communications scenario, followed by its internal functioning and data flows. The advantages of using a MBSE approach over a document-based approach are discussed.