Systems-of-Systems Taxonomy: Space and Airborne Systems Perspective

This chapter discusses the taxonomy of Systems-of-Systems (SOS) with a focus on space and airborne systems perspective. A discussion with a broad view of taxonomy with considerations for space and airborne systems classification, including SOS and Family-of-Systems (FOS), will be presented. The chapter defines taxonomic categories considering dimensions in the classification of space and airborne SOS based on their acquisition strategy, operational mode, and problem domain. Commercial and military acquisition strategies will be addressed along with their intentional operational modes and problem domains. The space and airborne systems discussed will be Satellite Communication (SATCOM) systems, sensing and imaging satellite systems and Positioning-Navigation-and-Timing (PNT) satellite, and military and commercial aircraft systems. The chapter provides examples on notional military SATCOM and manned aircraft systems.