Open-source CubeSat MBSE Approach to Address Traceability: Power Subsystem

Abstract

The benefits of using Model-based System Engineering (MBSE) approaches for the development of projects go beyond just replacing document-centric methods. MBSE is expected to aid in the ability to manage complexity and capture knowledge. By using MBSE approaches on CubeSats this paper aims to address notions of traceability and how system models can be used to verify the fulfillment of requirements. This work is carried out in Papyrus, an open-source model-based engineering tool, and builds on existing studies regarding CubeSats system models. The development of these sorts of models can benefit future CubeSat developers by reducing design time and cost. These models can also be used in an academic setting to facilitate learning about CubeSats and their design process. In this paper, a CubeSat power subsystem SysML model is presented, while the notion of traceability is introduced by the creation of a specific profile for model assumptions and a java code that allows visualizing the impacts of the change of one or more parameters of the CubeSat model. The model proposed in this paper contains key information about a system, such as requirements, structure, behavior, and analysis. This model-based approach for CubeSat subsystems helps to visualize and understand what is needed for the design of a CubeSat power subsystem, while guaranteeing that the designers are clearly aware of which requirements are being met and which are not.