CubeSats in University: Using Systems Engineering Tools to Improve Reviews and Knowledge Management

Abstract

Coordinating research objectives concurrently with product development and engineering is a challenge in student-run CubeSat projects. The literature review from several universities and the International Council of Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Space Systems Working Group (SSWG) all acknowledge the need for a better methodology. This paper describes findings from a university CubeSat exploratory case study related to team management, reviews and design. Introducing Systems Engineering (SE) tools such as formalized reviews, A3 reports, systemigrams and N2 dependency maps have aided the development process. This was evident through faster development iterations and fewer design confusions. Results show that relocation into a common space based on recommendations from Concurrent Engineering (CE) has improved overall communication and team work.