Integrating Model-Based Systems Engineering into CubeSat Development: A Case Study of the BOREALIS Mission
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Biofilm Onboard Radiation Exposure Assessment Lab In Space (BOREALIS) mission is a 6U CubeSat initiative funded by the Italian Space Agency under the ALCOR program, executed through a collaboration among the School of Aerospace Engineering of Sapienza University of Rome, Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Aerospace Research (CIRI Aerospace) of the University of Bologna and Kayser Italia Srl. BOREALIS is equipped with a lab-on-chip payload for studying the effects of microgravity and ionising radiation on microbial biofilms, which are crucial for understanding and preventing persistent infections in space environments. The satellite will operate across multiple orbits, moving from low to medium Earth orbit, to distinctly analyse the impacts of radiation separate from microgravity. The required orbital transfer not only tests the autonomy of its on-board systems in challenging conditions but also places BOREALIS among the first and few CubeSats to have ever attempted such a complex manoeuvre. This study explores the systematic application of Model-Based Systems Engineering to satellite design, from conceptualisation to trade-offs, using a tradespace analysis approach supported by Monte Carlo simulations to optimise mission configurations against performance and cost. Additionally, the adaptability of Model-Based Systems Engineering tools and the reusability of such an approach for other satellite projects are discussed, illustrating the BOREALIS mission as a case study for small mission design considering constraints and requirements.
Source: Aerospace
Authors: Lorenzo Nardi, Stefano Carletta, Parsa Abbasrezaee, Giovanni Palmerini, Nicola Lovecchio, Nunzio Burgio, Alfonso Santagata, Massimo Frullini, Donato Calabria, Massimo Guardigli, Elisa Michelini, Maria Maddalena Calabretta, Martina Zangheri, Elisa Lazzarini, Andrea Pace, Marco Montalti, Dario Mordini, Liyana Popova, Saverio Citraro, Daniela Billi, Fabio Lorenzini, Alessandro Donati, Mara Mirasoli, Augusto Nascetti
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Funder: Agenzia Spaziale Italiana
OpenAlex ID: W4408570610