How can you define space mission objectives and requirements?

1 Mission objectives

The first step is to define the mission objectives, which are the high-level goals and outcomes that the mission aims to achieve. These objectives should be clear, concise, and measurable, and aligned with the stakeholder's needs and expectations. For example, a mission objective could be to demonstrate a new technology, to collect scientific data, or to provide a service. You can use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to help you formulate your mission objectives.

2 Mission requirements

The next step is to define the mission requirements, which are the detailed specifications and constraints that the mission must satisfy to meet the objectives. These requirements can be divided into different categories, such as functional, performance, operational, environmental, safety, reliability, and cost. You can use the MoSCoW method (Must have, Should have, Could have, and Won't have) to prioritize your requirements and identify the essential ones. You should also document your requirements using a clear and consistent format, such as the IEEE 29148 standard.

3 Mission analysis

Once you have defined your mission objectives and requirements, you need to perform a mission analysis, which is the process of evaluating and selecting the best options for your mission design. This involves analyzing various aspects of the mission, such as the orbit, the launch vehicle, the spacecraft, the payload, the ground segment, and the operations. You can use different tools and techniques to help you with this analysis, such as trade-off studies, mathematical models, simulations, and software packages.

4 Mission architecture

The result of the mission analysis is the mission architecture, which is the overall description and representation of the mission elements and their interactions. The mission architecture should capture the main features and functions of the mission, as well as the interfaces and dependencies between them. You can use different methods and formats to communicate your mission architecture, such as diagrams, tables, charts, and narratives.

5 Mission verification and validation

The final step is to verify and validate your mission objectives and requirements, which means to check that they are correct, complete, consistent, and feasible. Verification is the process of ensuring that the mission design meets the requirements, while validation is the process of ensuring that the requirements meet the objectives. You can use different methods and techniques to verify and validate your mission objectives and requirements, such as reviews, inspections, tests, simulations, and demonstrations.

As you can see, defining space mission objectives and requirements is a complex and iterative process that requires a systematic and rigorous approach. By following these steps and using these tools, you can increase your chances of developing a successful space mission that meets your stakeholder's needs and expectations.