1. Guiding Questions

Use what works.

System Engineering Questions The Five W’s Heilmeier Catechism

  • Who is your customer?

  • What are your customers' requirements?

  • How will you demonstrate meeting requirements?

  • What are the tech options?

  • What are the risks associated with the tech?

  • Who cares?

  • What do they care about, specifically?

  • When does it matter?

  • Where does it take place?

  • Why does it matter?

  • How will we solve it?

  • What are you trying to do?
    Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon.

  • How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice?

  • What is new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?

  • Who cares? If you are successful, what difference will it make?

  • What are the risks?

  • How much will it cost? / How long will it take?

  • What are the mid-term and final "exams" to check for success?

Who are all of your stakeholders? — The people and organizations affected by this mission.

  • [SH-1]

  • [SH-2]

  • [SH-3]

  • [SH-4] …​

2. High-Level Mission Proposal

2.1. Mission Narrative

2.1.1. Full version

In two or three paragraphs, explain the problem or opportunity, who benefits, and why a space mission is the appropriate response.

(Mission context, user need, and expected value.)




2.1.2. Short version

In three or four sentences, explain the problem or opportunity, who benefits, and why a space mission is the appropriate response.

(Mission context, user need, and expected value.)

2.2. Mission Statement

Write one plain-language sentence that states what the mission will do, for whom, and the intended outcome. Avoid solution-specific jargon.

(The mission will …​)


2.3. Mission Objectives (top level)

List the three to five results the mission must achieve.
Make each objective observable and independent on a particular design selection.

  • [MO-1]

  • [MO-2]

  • [MO-3]

2.4. Success Criteria

For each objective, name the measurable evidence that demonstrates success.
Distinguish minimum success from full success when helpful.

(measurable criterion and yes/no threshold)

  • [MO-1 success]

  • [MO-2 success]

  • [MO-3 success]

2.5. Concept of Operations

Summarize how the mission moves from launch through commissioning, routine operations, data delivery, and end of mission. Identify the key actors and operational handoffs.

2.5.1. Launch and early operations (LEOP)

Describe what the system does. Start from deployment from the launch vehicle — until the beginning of normal operation. How long will this take to accomplish that work?


2.5.2. Day in the life (DITL)

Describe a ~24 h time span where the satellite is operating nominally. Include:

  • What it does during the sunlit and the eclipse phases of each orbit.

  • When it turns on the experiment / payload.

  • When it communicates to the control ground station and for what purposes.

  • When it transmits broadcast beacons and their content.

  • When it switches to a different mode of operation.

  • What triggers these changes or actions.