A System Approach to Satellite Test Equipment (STE) Readiness and Calibration Data Review

The objective of flawless execution for any manufacturing company is reached by having the right tools, people and processes. Starting with processes, people have to be disciplined to enable streamline execution of any plans. Within my job as a support person for a satellite development center, things move so quickly and dynamically that sometimes it is hard to keep up. I have experienced and encountered test delays due to anomalies because of test setup configuration errors. Calibration test data do not pass specifications due to lack of prior inspections or verifications. Attention to detail is not implemented in the process and quality of work has gone down. A System Approach to Satellite Test Equipment Readiness and Calibration Data Review is a process to minimize test phase anomalies by providing a guideline to help prepare necessary tools, people and processes. A structured flow of activities will encourage people to not skip a step in the process, therefore mitigating the risk of anomalies. A 30 day advance preparation is a suggested timeline. This is enough time to have recurring meetings with all departments involved to plan a successful test phase. The process provides flow charts of steps and actions needed to be taken before moving forward. In creating this guideline, I utilized the MIL-STD_ 499B Process for Systems Engineering by first receiving customer needs, requirements and objectives. Through an iterative process, I analyzed requirements and performed interface management and risk mitigations. I also applied the DODAF System Engineering Architecture in breaking down the current process and implementing improvements by understanding the involvement of other systems and people. In return, I was able to create a guideline and to provide a systems engineering approach to a satellite test phase preparation