Modular approach in space systems can make the process of space system assembly, functioning, and post-deployment more efficient and effective. A modular system breaks the space system into individual modules that can be assembled like Lego blocks, upgraded on-site without human intervention, and reused for future missions. Some benefits of modular space systems include lower costs, reduced time for assembly, on-orbit upgrades to increase mission life, and less space debris from non-functional satellites. Current examples of modular space systems include the International Space Station, DARPA's Project Phoenix for in-orbit satellite servicing, and ISRO's STUDSAT-2 technology demonstrator.

1. MODULAR APPROACH
IN SPACE SYSTEMS
APURVAANAND
PRABIN SHERPAILI
SULAV LAL SHRESTHA
GHANENDRA KUMAR DAS
(TEAM STUDSAT, CENTER FOR SMALL SATELLITE RESEARCH, ISRO FACILITY)

2. OVERVIEW
• Addressing the theme “Futuristic Innovations in Space Systems ”, we
present an idea to make the process of space system assembly,
functioning and after-deployment process efficient and effective.
• Extrapolating the architecture of STUDSAT-2 and following on the
steps of Project Ara of Google, we have thought of introducing the
modular approach to space systems.
“Project Ara, an upcoming smartphone concept consisting of a
central module board with peripheral individual modules of specific
functionality, that can be swapped by users to enhance or upgrade a
feature and/or to replace a malfunctioning module”

3. OBJECTIVES
• To unify the applications of modular approach in different phases of space
system lifecycle
• To assess the extent to which modular concept can aid ISRO and other Space
Agencies in making satellite development and maintenance cost-effective

4. SPACE SYSTEM LIFE-CYCLE
In-Operation
Maintenance
UpgradeEnd-of-Life
Design
Assembly
Here, we present the concept of modularity
in space system and how it helps in each of
the phases of life-cycle of space system.
This presentation focuses on why this
concept should be the future of space system
and why India, too, should be focusing on
this approach.

5. LIMITATIONS OF MONOLITHIC SYSTEMS
• Individualized design and fabrication process
• Risk of mission failure due to a sub-system failure
• Less opportunity for resource reuse
• Difficulty in on-site repair
• Less scope for system upgrade

6. NEED FOR MODULARITY
• Easier system assembly (assembly line, plug-N-play approach)
• Better task assignment to sub-systems (swarm approach)
• On-site system upgrade and repair with or without human-intervention
• Better reusability of system modules
System
Traditional
Modular
Low Level
High Level

7. SYSTEM ASSEMBLY – PLUG-N-PLAY
• Plug-N-Play approach demands the system to be designed in such a way that
the endo-skeleton of the system provides interfaces for the sub-systems to be
interfaced so as to complete it.
Hardware (xTEDS)
SPA
Application
Architecture for Plug-n-Play

8. PLUG-N-PLAY – HOW IT HELPS
• It converts fabrication process to just assembly process, and hence reduces
the time required.
• It brings in uniformity in how satellites are assembled, thus making modules
reusable.

9. SWARM APPROACH
• A complete system can be broken down to a main system and
a number of sub-systems based on the need.
• In this approach, a number of (semi) autonomous sub-systems
combined forms a complete space system.
• For e.g., land rovers need not be a single giant machine. The
system can be broken down to two broad classes of sub-
system based on mobility. Laboratory can be stationary while
the mobile system can perform the task of data collection.

10. SWARM APPROACH – HOW IT HELPS
• Making a system a single system risks the mission as a sub-system failure can lead
to mission failure, Mars Explorer “Spirit” being a notable example. (It was stuck in
one place. However, it continued to be functional for a year, though of no use.)
• Mission failure can be minimized by distributing the functionalities among a number
of autonomous or semi-autonomous sub-systems (a swarm).
• In 2007, Mars Spacecraft Odyssey found 7 large holes in surface too big to be
explored by it. Swarming robots can be employed for such expeditions.

11. ON-SITE SYSTEM UPGRADE-REPAIR
• With monolithic systems, system upgrade-enhancement-repair is a difficult
task and human-intervention is essential.
• In the modular space systems, specific modules can be accessed. Thus, the
process becomes easier. The modules can be changed as needed. Or, newer-
better modules can be interfaced as such, using the unused (redundant)
interfaces of the space system.

12. ON-SITE SYSTEM UPGRADE-REPAIR
• The biggest challenge is to free this process from human-intervention.
• An autonomous control system to lead the module to its designated interface is
quintessential.
• Use of redundant interfaces on the system, that can be exposed externally, can make
this task easier.
• Docking ports can be provided to the space-systems such that the repairing or
upgrading system can be docked onto the target and perform the operations
required.
• Project Phoenix, from DARPA is leading the experiments on autonomous in-orbit
servicing.

13. BENEFITS OF MODULAR SPACE SYSTEMS
• Cost efficient
• Less time for assembly
• On-site system upgrade
• Increment in mission efficiency
• Reduction of Space Debris

14. STATE-OF-ART
• International Space Station
• PnPSat - AFRL
• Project Phoenix - DARPA
• STUDSAT-2 - NMIT
Artist’s rendition of Phoenix
performing in-orbit servicing of a
satellite
International Space Station
StudSat- 2 ‘s twin satellite
project (Simulation)

15. THAT’S ALL.
THANK YOU.
For more info,
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