Improvement of satellite system integration process based on dummy panel method

Abstract

This thesis proposes a new methodology for the innovative improvement of satellite system integration procedures. To overcome the limitations of traditional sequential procedures, a novel integration process utilizing dummy panels has been developed. This innovative approach, grounded in practical project experience, has been successfully applied in significant real-world projects, including the Geo-Kompsat 2 (GK2) and the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO) development projects. This practical success demonstrates the potential for revolutionizing conventional methodologies in the field of satellite system integration, marking an important milestone for future advancements in this area. The dummy-panel process represents a significant departure from the traditional Flight Model (FM-panel) process, showcasing a new direction in satellite system integration and testing. The study’s centerpiece is a comprehensive analysis of the dummy-panel process, employing Design Structure Matrix (DSM) based modeling and simulation techniques. In developing the simulation model, extensive research was conducted into various project facets. This research included detailed evaluations of task dependencies, duration and cost estimates, the likelihood of rework, and the repercussions of such changes. Inputs for these simulations were derived from actual project data, ensuring both accuracy and relevance. Subsequent discrete event simulations, powered by a custom-developed algorithm, meticulously replicated the project execution process. This algorithm accurately simulates a range of scenarios, including sequential, parallel, and overlapping tasks, along with both feedback and feedforward rework processes, thus offering a holistic view of project dynamics. The results of the simulations and sensitivity analyses in this study act as practical case studies, yielding critical insights into the performance of each process, encompassing total duration and cost distributions. These analyses are pivotal in gauging schedule and cost risks and in understanding how variations in process architecture affect the project. Insights from these case studies are key in optimizing project schedules and formulating effective risk management strategies. They underscore the criticality of comprehending task interdependencies and their substantial impact on project outcomes. Moreover, these analyses highlight the crucial balance between cost and project duration, stressing the need for identifying and implementing optimal execution strategies. This research shows that despite the dummy-panel process typically requiring a somewhat higher cost, it can be a more preferred method in environments with low risk tolerance, due to its more predictable outcomes and effective risk management capabilities. By combining practical insights gained from important projects with the analytical depth of DSM-based simulation methods, a powerful framework for improving the satellite development process is provided. Future studies should aim to encompass a broader range of processes and investigate the dynamic nature of task dependencies that may change during the course of a project.