How can Systems Engineering optimize space tourism?

1 Requirements analysis

The first step in systems engineering is to define the needs and expectations of the stakeholders, such as the customers, the providers, the regulators, and the public. This involves identifying the goals, functions, performance, constraints, and risks of the space system. For example, a space tourism system may have to meet requirements such as customer satisfaction, safety, affordability, accessibility, environmental impact, and legal compliance. Requirements analysis helps to establish a clear and consistent vision for the system and to avoid unnecessary or conflicting features.

2 Design synthesis

The next step in systems engineering is to create and evaluate alternative solutions that meet the requirements. This involves combining different disciplines, such as engineering, physics, biology, psychology, economics, and ethics, to generate innovative and feasible concepts. For example, a space tourism system may have to consider various aspects such as the launch vehicle, the spacecraft, the crew, the passengers, the orbit, the destination, the activities, and the return. Design synthesis helps to optimize the system architecture, functionality, performance, and cost.

3 Verification and validation

The third step in systems engineering is to ensure that the system meets the requirements and performs as intended. This involves testing and evaluating the system components and the system as a whole, using simulations, models, prototypes, experiments, and demonstrations. For example, a space tourism system may have to undergo verification and validation processes such as structural analysis, thermal analysis, aerodynamic analysis, propulsion analysis, human factors analysis, mission analysis, and safety analysis. Verification and validation helps to demonstrate the system readiness, reliability, and robustness.

4 Operations and maintenance

The final step in systems engineering is to operate and maintain the system throughout its life cycle. This involves planning and executing the system activities, monitoring and controlling the system performance, and updating and improving the system capabilities. For example, a space tourism system may have to perform operations and maintenance tasks such as launch preparation, flight execution, mission control, communication, navigation, docking, undocking, landing, recovery, refurbishment, and disposal. Operations and maintenance helps to ensure the system availability, efficiency, and sustainability.

Systems engineering is a powerful tool that can optimize space tourism by addressing the complex and dynamic challenges of the industry. By applying systems engineering principles and practices, space tourism providers can deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective services that meet the needs and expectations of the customers and other stakeholders. Systems engineering can also foster innovation and collaboration among different disciplines and sectors, creating new opportunities and benefits for space exploration and development.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?