Digital Twins: The Next Big Thing in the Space Industry
For years, digital twins have been highly anticipated in the space industry. Despite being a technology still in its developmental phase, there is a growing demand among companies in this sector for digital engineering tools to design complex satellite networks.
Sedaro: Overcoming Skepticism with Updated Tools. The digital twin revolution is being led by Sedaro, a business with a focus on space systems and digital engineering software. Sedaro, a company situated in Arlington, Virginia, was established in 2016 and has become well-known in the sector. The Defense Department and NASA have given the corporation about $3 million in small business research prizes, in addition to venture capital investments.
**The Exciting Future of Digital Twins for Operational**
The Necessity of Digital Twins for Satellite Constellations
Digital twins have become a necessity due to the scale and complexity of satellite constellations. However, there is a challenge, especially for military programs, as legacy digital design tools have been rebranded and sold as digital twins. Sedaro's CEO, Robbie Robertson, emphasizes the importance of connecting the virtual and physical aspects in the planning and design of large satellite constellations. This connection enables the management of complexity beyond human capabilities.Digital Twins in Military Satellite Programs
As the Department of Defense (DoD) develops plans for the subsequent generation of space systems, digital twins are becoming more prevalent in military satellite programs. The requirements group of the Pentagon, which is in charge of approving large system purchases, uses Sedaro's software. Before purchasing the satellites, decision-makers can refine their needs by using digital twins, such as a network of satellites for tracking missiles.Istari: Revolutionizing Digital Engineering for Military Space Programs
Istari, a digital engineering startup backed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and led by former Pentagon procurement official Will Roper, aims to expedite the development of military aircraft, satellites, and other systems. The goal is to design, test, and certify platforms through modeling and simulation, allowing seamless integration of models and simulations regardless of their ownership.The Space Force's Advantages with Digital Twins
The Space Force stands to benefit significantly from digital twin technology. By training satellite operators on the same model used for engineering design, a true digital thread is established. Engineers can continuously update and enhance their designs using real-time data from users, optimizing satellite operations.Defining a "True" Digital Twin
Digital twin terminologies can be overwhelming, with multiple definitions and marketing buzzwords. Robbie Robertson defines it as "a high-fidelity virtual representation of the physical system that exists throughout its entire lifecycle until it perfectly synchronizes with the behavior of the orbiting system and its twin."Sedaro's Updated Tool: Dispelling Digital Engineering Misconceptions
In April, Sedaro launched an updated version of its cloud-based digital engineering tool, aiming to convince skeptics that digital engineering is not just another overhyped trend. The industry has faced disappointments due to the lack of software-driven improvements in the complexity and quality of hardware technologies.
Digital Engineering for Future Satellite Constellations
Traditional digital twin technologies used by DoD satellite programs rely on a mix of in-house and decades-old commercial software products. These legacy technologies are incapable of scaling to accommodate large satellite constellations planned for the future, such as the Space Development Agency's low Earth orbit architecture.Digital Engineering to Plan Satellite Constellations
In its latest solicitation for communications satellites, the Space Development Agency has requested contractors to submit digital representations of their satellites. This move indicates a shift toward digital twins, as the agency aims to build models and explore the potential of digital twin applications.**The Exciting Future of Digital Twins for Operational**
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