A Continuous Verification Process in Concurrent Engineering

Abstract

This paper presents how a continuous mission verification process similar than in software engineering can be applied in early spacecraft design and Concurrent Engineering. Following the Model-based Systems Engineering paradigm, all engineers contribute to one single centralized data model of the system. The data model is enriched with some extra information to create an executable representation of the spacecraft and its mission. That executable scenario allows for verifications against requirements that have been formalized using appropriate techniques from the field of formal verification. The paper focuses on a current approach of integrating this verification mechanism into our Concurrent Engineering environment. In an example study, we explain how basic mission requirements are created at the beginning of the spacecraft design. After each iteration and change, the integrated verification will be executed. This instantly highlights the effects of the modification and points out potential problems in the design. Using the continuous verification process alongside the Concurrent Engineering process helps to mature both, the requirements and the design itself.