Date of Award
12-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Systems Engineering
Department
Department of Systems Engineering and Management
First Advisor
Kip E. Johnson, PhD
Abstract
As the capabilities provided by space-based systems offer significant contributions toward defense applications, potential adversaries stand to gain significant value in disrupting them. Therefore, the United States must pursue the development and operation of resilient space architectures, capable of delivering capabilities in the face of disruptions. To support this development, systems engineering methods require innovation to effectively ensure design of complex space architectures to meet their objectives. This thesis recommends and demonstrates a System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) framework to qualitatively analyze space architectures. The analysis outputs identify design considerations, requirements, and constraints required for resilience. To enable a model-based systems engineering approach for conducting STPA, this thesis recommends a modeling method using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) with the new Risk Analysis and Assessment Modeling Language (RAAML) extensions. The thesis demonstrates the STPA modeling method, describing SysML representations, relationships, and visualization methods for STPA concepts. Finally, the study shows full analysis traceability within the model and presents potential opportunities for integration with existing system models. This thesis contributes to existing knowledge by providing an STPA framework for resilient space architecture design which incorporates multi-domain threats, and by providing a practical guide for model-based resilience analysis using SysML.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-ENV-MS-23-D-023
Recommended Citation
Sommer, Eric T., "A System Theoretic Process Analysis Framework and Model Based Approach for Resilient Space Architecture Design" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 7793.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7793
Included in
Systems Engineering Commons, Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Commons
Comments
A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.
Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.