Using the Design Structure Matrix for Space System Design

In the frame of space development projects, system design has to cope with large sets of requirements that are dependent from each other. The complexity becomes even higher since interdependencies often have a multidisciplinary character. The overall system complexity makes it difficult for design teams to intuitively understand the interactions of each physical domain not to mention the interdependencies of analyses and tasks. Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) methods are used to represent the information flow of couplings as well as explore “what-if”-scenarios in the sense of trade-offs. Graphical representations of interdependencies allow the designers to deliberately vary couplings. In this paper we demonstrate a successful application of DSM methods for the design of the Wide Field Imager, a payload instrument on board ESA ATHENA.     «

In the frame of space development projects, system design has to cope with large sets of requirements that are dependent from each other. The complexity becomes even higher since interdependencies often have a multidisciplinary character. The overall system complexity makes it difficult for design teams to intuitively understand the interactions of each physical domain not to mention the interdependencies of analyses and tasks. Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) methods are used to represent the...     »