Simulations Systems

VEGA's Simulation Systems capability, which includes expertise in simulation navigation and training, is focused on verifying, validating and developing high integrity information and communications solutions.

Before introducing new capability into today’s complex network-centric organisations, it is essential to ensure that new systems and sub-components are both verified and validated. Not just from the perspective of their stand-alone performance, but also from the perspective of their impacts on the systems with which they will be integrated. The cost of failure for new information and communications technology (ICT) be very high, both financially and in human terms.

VEGA uses advanced simulation and modelling to verify and validate new systems in their operational context. We develop high integrity ICT solutions where existing alternatives prove inadequate. Our services cover:

Concept and Design
Verification and Validation
System and Process Modelling
Simulation Tools and Standards
ICT Solutions Development
ICT Operations and Maintenance

Our expertise in simulation systems is based on developing space mission simulators for the European Space Operations Centre and other satellite operators throughout the world for many years.

Amongst the simulations that VEGA has developed are Rosetta, Mars Express, Venus Express, Cryosat, Radarsat 2, XMM Newton, Artemis, Meteosat, Eureca. Our simulation work has included developing full software real time simulators for mission operations training. These realistically simulate every single component of the spacecraft including the on-board computer and on-board software with regards to functionality, behaviour and TM/TC. Currently under development are the Lisa Pathfinder, Cryosat-2, Herschel and Planck simulators.

Within navigation, VEGA has great experience of Galileo, the European navigation system. We have developed for ESA the Galileo System Simulation Facility, which is used to analyse the navigation performance based on the Galileo signals and constellation. Currently under development are several studies and the development of the test preparation and validation facility for Galileo satellites in orbit validation.