Modularity in the Life Cycle of Satellite Systems: A Review of Barriers, Drivers, and Impacts

Modularity is a design concept fostering flexibility, changeability, and cost-effectiveness in complex product systems (e.g., airliners, oil & gas plants, nuclear power plants). Yet, in the context of satellite systems, modularity is far less leveraged, though the literature emphasizes several potential advantages. In the New Space Economy, exploring modularity may unfold new opportunities for reducing time-to-market, making the design and development processes more efficient, and delivering higher value to clients. Embracing modularity would however require a paradigm shift for the satellite industry, particularly regarding its design and production practices. Therefore, it is essential to understand the fundamental challenges, preconditions, and motivations in adopting modular approaches at different levels (i.e., product/production/organization), as well as the associated benefits throughout the satellite lifecycle. By shedding light on the barriers, drivers, and impacts, this paper aims to unveil the added value of modularity and its potential to enhance satellite systems' performance, reliability, and sustainability. To this end, our epistemological approach is based on the review of scientific literature, interviews with space experts, and analysis of secondary data. Empirically, we focus on the European space ecosystem, because of its distinct peculiarities (e.g., regulatory landscape, limited local launch capabilities) and access to a rich set of primary and secondary data. Through rigorous thematic analysis, we identify barriers to implementing modularity at different levels that a satellite manufacturer may face, including economic, technical, and organizational ones. We discuss the external (e.g., regulatory pressure) and internal (e.g., new value proposition) drivers that may stimulate a manufacturer to incorporate modularization and standardization processes. Finally, we analyze the potential impacts of augmenting the degree of modularity at different levels, such as accelerated and streamlined satellite lifecycle processes, and enhanced design adaptability to new technologies. This knowledge and insights have been sense-made in a series of practical recommendations for stakeholders of the satellite industry. This paper sets a foundation for further investigation of the benefits and challenges of exploring the modularity concept in the context of the satellite industry.