Model-Based Verification of The Large Lenslet Array Magellan Spectrograph

Abstract

For large complex engineering systems, testing and verification are essential for ensuring operational success. Proposed and developing ground-based astronomy instruments are continuing to increase in complexity. Therefore, it is necessary for instrumentation engineering programs to leverage the advancements in systems engineering and especially model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methods seen in space systems. Model-based verification (MBV) is a flexible approach to MBSE that supports continuous verification and testing of a system through the use of integrated system modeling as it develops post-design to assembly, integration, and operation.

This thesis presents a MBV methodology and evaluates it by applying it to verification of the The Large Lenslet Array Magellan Spectrograph (LLAMAS), a spectroscopy instrument currently being developed at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. It is a facility-class instrument that will be installed on the Magellan Telescope at the Las Campanas Observatory in 2022 and will be available to the scientific community for making large field-of-view spectroscopy observations. Three model-based verification activities are implemented and evaluated: thermal budget analysis using a comprehensive system model, component and subsystem verification for optical throughput, and science requirement verification with simulated observation scenarios. Recommendations are made for implementation and future study of MBSE.