DOI: 10.1017/pds.2026.10690 ISSN: 2732-527X
Low-fidelity prototypes to clear the fuzzy front end of NewSpace projects
Henrik H. Øvrebø, Brage Sterkeby Hole, Henrik Pedersen Hauge, Martin Steinert, Anna OlsenABSTRACT:
The early stages of NewSpace missions can be in the fuzzy front end because of unclear requirements. This paper explores clearing this design phase through low-fidelity prototyping, using a case study of 23 prototypes organized into five concepts. The goal is to enable post-launch deployment and focus of a modified commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) telescope for an Earth observation hyperspectral imaging satellite mission. A final payload design is developed, and the lessons learned inform the design methodology for the early phases of NewSpace projects.