The principles of submodular design of the unified space platform

This article presents the analysis of existing unified space platforms of modular design manufactured in Russian Federation and in foreign countries. The principles of the unified space platform design are stated. The proposed approach differs from existing approaches by the platform division into separate submodules. This approach to a development of the platform and the SC as a whole will allow to reduce the development time for a specific product and to decrease its cost due to the use of unified submodules. In addition, it will allow to make the platform more flexible for an adaptation to the different requirements depending on the payload and the operating conditions. The platform purpose defines the composition of the submodules and their alternate design. All submodules are mounted on the common load-bearing structure which is a base for the structural design of the space platform and the spacecraft as a whole. Every separate submodule has well-defined mechanical, electrical and thermal interfaces. Every submodule of the protoflight platform is subjected to a full cycle of ground tests (electric, mechanical and thermal vacuum). For subsequent platforms the submodules are subjected to a minimum necessary (equal to acceptance tests) extent of checks (electric, mechanical and thermal vacuum) that reduces time and cost of the platform.