Plug-and-Play Satellite: A Modularity Assessment

A vector approach, previously developed by the authors, is used to assess the modularity of the 35 kg, low-Earth-orbit, plug-and-play satellite (PnPSat). PnPSat is being developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory in response to the need for an operationally responsive space capability. The modularity assessment addresses module-to-module interfaces along with several fundamental benefits of modularity. These benefits include reusability, flexibility, reconfigurability, and extensibility. A PnPSat function structure was developed first using a functional basis language, followed by module identification using a dominant flow heuristic. PnPSat functions were mapped to modules, and module-to-module interfaces were determined. Finally, the vector modularity measure, which includes the reconfigurability measure, was calculated and assessed for the PnPSat. The results of the assessment show the two benefits of modularity being realized the most by the PnPSat are reusability and extensibility. This application of the modularity assessment extends the initial application from simple products, precision guided munitions, to a more complex product, PnPSat.