Using Full-Lifecycle MBSE for Transforming On-orbit Servicing: The Tetra-5 Bus Experience

The Tetra-5 Program is a prototype program sponsored by Space Systems Command (SSC) and Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). It represents an advanced capability in refueling, Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD), and technologies necessary for future on-orbit servicing missions, designed and built on a low-cost, rapid development timeline (three years from award to launch) at a small satellite scale (<150kg). AFRL and SSC made this a Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) pilot project requiring model-based deliverables from the solutions team at each milestone. To meet this requirement, Booz Allen, as part of Team Orion Space Solutions (OSS), built and developed a Descriptive System Model (DSM) of the three Tetra-5 buses. The DSM serves as a cohesive digital thread that connects all facets of system design. This paper explores how the DSM, enriched with system behavior, interfaces, and requirements, streamlines communication among diverse stakeholders, reducing risk and increasing rigor toward the project's ambitious objectives.