Space Systems Engineering in Practice

11 Sep 2025

Conference

Title

Space Systems Engineering in Practice

Summary

Systems Engineering is a multi-person, multi-discipline approach to understanding and developing complex systems. Complex Space projects are the archetypal use cases for systems engineering: when coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, across multiple sites and even countries, with concept design to delivery spanning years or even a decade, in order to achieve first-of-type capabilities that must work right the first time – this requires the definition, structure, and process implemented by systems engineering. But it can be harder to understand how SE is used effectively in small, quick-timeline space projects. This presentation looks at the difference in SE implementation across two space projects on opposites ends of the size and complexity spectrum. It introduces SE concepts and tools, such as Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), and the importance of requirements definition, and verification and validation.

Key takeaways:

Systems Engineering is critical for space projects because it manages complexity, balances requirements, and ensures mission success through structured processes.
SE methods are scalable and can be tailored for smaller or R&D projects using lighter, iterative approaches focused on objectives and user needs.
Applying SE early with strong configuration management, reviews, and verification prevents costly issues and guarantees systems work the first time.

Author

Shena Howell, Senior Systems Engineer Shoal Group

Date

Thursday 4 September 2025

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About Shoal

Shoal is complex systems design company. We use Systems Engineering combined with Modelling, Simulation and Analysis to help our clients define, analyse, decide, optimise, and deliver technology-intensive projects in complex environments across Defence, Space, Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.

More: shoalgroup.com