Top-down approach for spacecraft development

Top-Down product development in integrated 3D-CAD/PLM systems is a source of the significant advantages for aerospace enterprises. This approach allows to parallelize the development process and to effectively manage product changes. This approach is effective not only for 3D models of different phases of development, but also for product systems breakdown at initial phase. The top-down 3D model is an integrated part of enterprise product development data and processes. The author analyzed the current data model and business processes of an aerospace enterprise and proposed a new model, based on extensive use of PLM technology and top-down design approach. Spacecraft is a very specific product from a point of view of top-down approach and geometrical parameterization. The author considers the product 3D modeling process to be a part of product structure management. There are three phases of 3D model development. Wireframe 3D Functional scheme, linked with a spacecraft functional or logical scheme describes basic spacecraft layout and dimensions. Project digital mockup precise the spacecraft primary layout decisions at project development phase. Design digital mockup parametrically linked with a project mockup allows to produce technical drawings and a product structure. Successful application of a top down technique demands a support of system libraries, some of those containing intellectual 3D models. Knowledgeware is one of the keystone technologies incorporated into top-down design process. Implementation of top-down approach may demand an enterprise business process reengineering. A project-oriented business model or a quality gate methodology may be a solution for this problem.