New Space Engineering Design: Characterization of Key Drivers
Source abstract
Abstract
The recent evolution of the space industry, commonly referred to as New Space, has changed the way space missions are conceived, developed, and executed. In contrast to traditional approaches, the current paradigm emphasizes accessibility, commercial competitiveness, and rapid and sustainable innovation. This study proposes a research methodology for selecting relevant literature to identify the key design drivers and associated enablers that characterize the New Space context from an engineering design perspective. These elements are then organized into three categories: the evolution of traditional drivers, emerging manufacturing and integration practices, and sustainability and technology independence. This categorization highlights their role and relevance, providing a baseline for the development of systems for New Space missions. The results are further contextualized within three major application domains, namely Low Earth Orbit (LEO) small satellite constellations, operations and servicing in space, and space exploration, to illustrate their practical role in engineering space systems. By linking high-level industry trends to concrete design choices, this work aims to support the early design phases of New Space innovative systems and promote a more integrated approach between strategic objectives and technical development.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Spacecraft Design and Technology · Space Satellite Systems and Control · Space Exploration and Technology
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Elettronica e Meccanica, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Via Vito Volterra 62, 00146 Rome, Italy
MIPRONS S.r.l., Via Riccardo Morandi snc, Colleferro, 00034 Rome, Italy
Funding
Italian Ministry of University and Research—Ministerial Decree · Research to Business”
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