Modeling and design of a multidisciplinary simulator of the concept of operations for space mission pre-phase A studies

Nowadays, it is practically impossible to develop a complex project without the assistance of a comprehensive set of modeling and simulation tools. In space engineering, they are used throughout the product design cycle, from component up to the system level. In conceptual, pre-phase A studies of a space mission, these tools are essential to explore more broadly the design space, in the search for suitable candidate system solutions for the mission. They are also of prime importance in helping to reduce the design time in integrated concurrent design environments. Here, a multidisciplinary tool for concept of operation simulation, developed to be used in that kind of environments, is presented. FOrPlan has the main purpose of performing functional simulations of the satellite and associated ground segments, providing a dynamic verification of the mission designed operational concept. Through the use of suitable graphical interfaces, key parameters of the mission functional scenarios can be presented to the design team and other mission stakeholders, allowing them also a better understanding of the mission operational concept. The simulator presents high flexibility such that it can be quickly customized to different mission scenarios. It has been used successfully at the Space Missions Integrated Design Center (CPRIME) of the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research. In this article, the structure of FOrPlan is presented, and its main features highlighted through results of concept of operation simulations performed for a scientific space mission study that was carried out recently at CPRIME.