Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SCHUMANN (Satellite Construction kit for Highly Unified Modular Assembly in Newspace applicatioNs)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-01-01 bis 2025-04-30
The NewSpace sector marks a transformative era in the aerospace industry, reflecting a shift towards more innovative and flexible approaches to space exploration and utilization. Under the global concept of In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS), this evolution is leading to the emergence of applications such as life extension through Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs), refuelling operations, in-space assembly and reconfiguration. Such advancements not only promise to enhance mission longevity and operational efficiency but are also projected to unlock significant economic potential. At the forefront of this movement, SCHUMANN is a Horizon Europe research initiative aiming to strengthen the foundations of a future space ecosystem based on satellite standardization and modularity. This is achieved through two parallel developments.
The first part targets the development of Functional Satellite Modules (FSM) offering different operational functionalities for satellites and missions. In the shape of Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs), FSM will present a generic design and standardized hardware and software interfaces, to be compatible with a pre-defined eco-system. The modules will offer the possibility for late stage satellite integration, or to be replaced or added during the satellite mission’s lifetime. This addresses critical needs in New Space with more sustainable, flexible and cost-effective satellite operations, a step change in the way satellites are managed and maintained in space. Moreover, it will favour the emergence of a new space economy, with the possibility for FSM developers to offer faster produced, interoperable and more affordable solutions, in a wide range of applications. More specifically, SCHUMANN focuses on the design, integration and testing of a refuellable Tank (RTa) module, aiming at addressing future challenges for spacecraft and satellites refuelling, one of the first main target of early space servicing missions.
The second part addressed the development of a "Design and Development Specification for the Spacecraft Construction Kit" (DSSCK), which includes specifications and tools to guide and support FSM developers in making their modules compatible and usable within a unified ecosystem. Its objective is to facilitate the efficient and unified design, validation, and certification of modular satellite systems by component manufacturers and integrators, thereby expediting space access and supporting the objectives of the NewSpace economy. Through a tiered architecture that includes standardized APIs, extensible user and plugin interfaces, and ontology-driven knowledge modelling, the DSSCK software seeks to make this possible. FSM developers and review authorities are the main users of DSSCK; they are expected to define, submit, and validate components in accordance with ecosystem standards.
The first part targets the development of Functional Satellite Modules (FSM) offering different operational functionalities for satellites and missions. In the shape of Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs), FSM will present a generic design and standardized hardware and software interfaces, to be compatible with a pre-defined eco-system. The modules will offer the possibility for late stage satellite integration, or to be replaced or added during the satellite mission’s lifetime. This addresses critical needs in New Space with more sustainable, flexible and cost-effective satellite operations, a step change in the way satellites are managed and maintained in space. Moreover, it will favour the emergence of a new space economy, with the possibility for FSM developers to offer faster produced, interoperable and more affordable solutions, in a wide range of applications. More specifically, SCHUMANN focuses on the design, integration and testing of a refuellable Tank (RTa) module, aiming at addressing future challenges for spacecraft and satellites refuelling, one of the first main target of early space servicing missions.
The second part addressed the development of a "Design and Development Specification for the Spacecraft Construction Kit" (DSSCK), which includes specifications and tools to guide and support FSM developers in making their modules compatible and usable within a unified ecosystem. Its objective is to facilitate the efficient and unified design, validation, and certification of modular satellite systems by component manufacturers and integrators, thereby expediting space access and supporting the objectives of the NewSpace economy. Through a tiered architecture that includes standardized APIs, extensible user and plugin interfaces, and ontology-driven knowledge modelling, the DSSCK software seeks to make this possible. FSM developers and review authorities are the main users of DSSCK; they are expected to define, submit, and validate components in accordance with ecosystem standards.
The SCHUMANN project aimed to reinforce the foundations of a future modular space ecosystem by developing two major technological tracks: (1) the Refuel Tank (RTa) Functional Satellite Module (FSM), a TRL 5 demonstrator for in-orbit refuelling operations, and (2) the Design and Development Specification for the Satellite Construction Kit (DSSCK), including the supporting DVVP and RESONANCE software tools. Over the course of the project, both objectives were pursued in parallel with frequent coordination to ensure consistency and complementarity.
1. Development and Testing of the Refuel Tank (RTa)
The RTa development started with the consolidation of system-level requirements. The consortium reviewed prior space missions and OSAM concepts to define the functions, constraints, and interfaces required of a functional satellite module focused on refuelling applications. From this baseline, a system architecture was defined that includes mechanical, electrical, and fluidic subsystems. The design phase covered both the Engineering (EM) and Engineering Qualification (EQM) models. The RTa structure was developed based on COTS CubeSat-standard mechanical configurations and integrated high-pressure fluidic lines, valves, sensors, and a modular avionics stack. The team placed particular emphasis on the integration of the HOTDOCK robotic interface, which supports both mechanical connection and fluid/electrical transfer (data + power). In parallel, GMV adapted and implemented the ESROCOS software stack for the RTa, focusing on back-end services, the components control and the graphical user interface. Key performance indicators were achieved on the EM and EQM iterations: fluid transfer at 200 bars under ambient and TVAC conditions. The RTa development significantly matured the technology readiness of the integrated system from TRL 3–4 to TRL 5. The design, integration, and test experience also generated a rich set of lessons learned for future mission preparation. The RTa is seen as a promising candidate for future in-orbit demonstration and commercial applications.
2. Advancements in DSSCK, DVVP and the RESONANCE Tool
In parallel to RTa, SCHUMANN developed a framework to support the design and certification of modular satellite components: the Design and Development Specification for the Satellite Construction Kit (DSSCK).
The first step involved elaborating an ontology-based framework to model FSM concepts and their interrelations, including mechanical, electrical, software, and operational elements. The team consolidated then a baseline of technical requirements covering the application of the DSSCK. A structured DVVP (Design, Verification and Validation Plan) was then defined, offering a practical guideline for FSM developers to ensure compliance with DSSCK standards. It included processes for self-assessment and traceable verification, promoting compatibility and reusability across the ecosystem.
The consortium developed RESONANCE, a software tool implementing the DVVP approach. The RESONANCE tool provides a GUI-based environment where FSM developers can, model new components and integrated FSM, validate their design through pre-defined compliance checks and generate reports and guidance for auto-certification processes. A testing campaign with three third-party companies was conducted. Their feedback confirmed the tool’s usability and potential, and will guide the development roadmap.
1. Development and Testing of the Refuel Tank (RTa)
The RTa development started with the consolidation of system-level requirements. The consortium reviewed prior space missions and OSAM concepts to define the functions, constraints, and interfaces required of a functional satellite module focused on refuelling applications. From this baseline, a system architecture was defined that includes mechanical, electrical, and fluidic subsystems. The design phase covered both the Engineering (EM) and Engineering Qualification (EQM) models. The RTa structure was developed based on COTS CubeSat-standard mechanical configurations and integrated high-pressure fluidic lines, valves, sensors, and a modular avionics stack. The team placed particular emphasis on the integration of the HOTDOCK robotic interface, which supports both mechanical connection and fluid/electrical transfer (data + power). In parallel, GMV adapted and implemented the ESROCOS software stack for the RTa, focusing on back-end services, the components control and the graphical user interface. Key performance indicators were achieved on the EM and EQM iterations: fluid transfer at 200 bars under ambient and TVAC conditions. The RTa development significantly matured the technology readiness of the integrated system from TRL 3–4 to TRL 5. The design, integration, and test experience also generated a rich set of lessons learned for future mission preparation. The RTa is seen as a promising candidate for future in-orbit demonstration and commercial applications.
2. Advancements in DSSCK, DVVP and the RESONANCE Tool
In parallel to RTa, SCHUMANN developed a framework to support the design and certification of modular satellite components: the Design and Development Specification for the Satellite Construction Kit (DSSCK).
The first step involved elaborating an ontology-based framework to model FSM concepts and their interrelations, including mechanical, electrical, software, and operational elements. The team consolidated then a baseline of technical requirements covering the application of the DSSCK. A structured DVVP (Design, Verification and Validation Plan) was then defined, offering a practical guideline for FSM developers to ensure compliance with DSSCK standards. It included processes for self-assessment and traceable verification, promoting compatibility and reusability across the ecosystem.
The consortium developed RESONANCE, a software tool implementing the DVVP approach. The RESONANCE tool provides a GUI-based environment where FSM developers can, model new components and integrated FSM, validate their design through pre-defined compliance checks and generate reports and guidance for auto-certification processes. A testing campaign with three third-party companies was conducted. Their feedback confirmed the tool’s usability and potential, and will guide the development roadmap.
SCHUMANN contributed beyond the state of the art by demonstrating a modular refuelling capability using a high-pressure robotic interface. The integration of standard components (HOTDOCK, ESROCOS) with COTS avionics and fluidic systems created a robust architecture for future in-orbit servicing, that can be used accross different types of missions. The DSSCK (RESONANCE) introduced a novel, ontology-driven design verification approach tailored to satellite modules, offering an adaptable and structured method to support compatibility and modularity. These results support the emergence of a modular space ecosystem, reducing time and cost for spacecraft development, an openig the market to new actors. For further uptake, additional development and qualification will be needed, especially for flight hardware. The DSSCK roadmap envisions future software releases and service offerings. To ensure success, support in standardisation, IOD opportunities, and early market access will be key. SCHUMANN has opened new paths for industrial uptake and technological innovation in modular satellite design and servicing.