Application of model-based systems engineering on a university satellite design team

System Engineering is a foundation of the Missouri S&T's Satellite Design Team, although it is not explicitly stated at all times. However, implementation of the systems engineering process within a student design team presents unique challenges. Student design teams have a high personnel turnover, a limited time commitment due to classes, some new members have little to no experience, and a sometimes lack of motivation to participate since it is volunteered time. The largest problem on the team is getting the new members knowledgeable about the system so they can start contributing as fast as possible. The other big problem is keeping documentation about the system design consistent and up-to-date. With a model-based approach, system specifications are updated all at once, and kept consistent throughout the design. The model also allows the team leadership to “walkthrough” the design and design process with the newer members. Diagrams sometimes help better explain design than word documents, especially to visual learners. The model will not completely replace documentation, it is used to help augment the learning process for new members, and keep better control of traceability.