Systems Engineering of Inter-satellite Communications for Distributed Systems of Small Satellites

Present design processes for satellite networks mainly involve interconnected system models and their parameter-based simulations without emphasizing high level requirements in the process. What is missing is a systems engineering approach and a system of verification and validation based on formal representation and analysis. We propose a systems design methodology for inter-satellite communication based on the Responsive and Formal Design (RFD) [1]-[3], which addresses the need for a model-based system engineering approach coupled with a system of validation and verification based on formal representation and analysis. The goal is to apply the RFD process to provide a solution for the Inter-Satellite Communications (ISC) problem within the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) framework. The OSI represents a standard framework for communication between devices. It divides the communication process into seven layers, with each one providing well-defined functions and services. We will address the integration of the RFD process with the OSI framework for ISC. The RFD process involves levels of design abstraction and refinement which correspond to layers or groups of layers of the OSI model. The process illustrates how the complete framework for ISC unfolds in an iterative manner.