Model-Based Systems Engineering for Mission Assurance in NASA’s Planetary Protection Programs
Title: Enhancing Mission Assurance: Implementing Model-Based Systems Engineering in NASA's Planetary Protection Programs As NASA advances its exploration of celestial bodies, ensuring mission success and safeguarding our planet from potential contamination become paramount. The incorporation of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) into NASA's Planetary Protection Programs presents a transformative approach to reliably achieve mission assurance objectives. This article delves into the analytical exploration of how MBSE empowers NASA to optimize processes, enhance risk assessment, and streamline decision-making in mission-critical contexts. MBSE, a systematic methodology that utilizes models as central artifacts, offers a comprehensive framework for effective systems engineering. In the context of planetary protection, MBSE enables NASA to holistically analyze the interactions between intricate components, subsystems, and missions. By capturing key information and interdependencies within a structured modeling environment, MBSE facilitates the identification and mitigation of potential risks throughout the mission lifecycle. One of the primary advantages of MBSE lies in its ability to enable early and iterative analysis. With the complex nature of planetary protection programs, it becomes imperative to anticipate and address potential challenges at the earliest stages of mission development. By utilizing MBSE, NASA can simulate various scenarios, assess system performance, and validate mission requirements, thus minimizing costly rework and ensuring that