Suppose a satellite鈥檚 remote sensor has failed during a mission-essential flyover. A backup sensor fails at the same time, indicating a possible attack. What happens next? You can assess probabilities and strategies in advance with a digital twin, an exact replica of the original linked by the digital thread. The two share data and information flows, so one can provide insights on the other.
The digital thread supplies the foundation. 鈥淎 digital thread allows for modeling and simulation to occur early in the process,鈥 says Leonard. 鈥淭hat reference architecture gives us a conceptual digital twin.鈥澨
A conceptual digital twin is a prototype containing the designs, analyses, and processes that will inform development of the full virtual product that connects to the physical digital twin. This conceptual replica speeds progress: 鈥淲e can begin modeling behaviors early on, while the data and information feeds are still in development,鈥 says Leonard.
Once we integrate the digital and physical systems, establishing a bidirectional connection, the client can realize the full value of a digital twin. Now the changes and updates can be tested in the model and then pushed in real time to the operational physical system鈥攚hether it鈥檚 still in development or already launched and functioning on orbit.
鈥淵ou can use a digital twin to advance any part of the lifecycle faster and with more confidence,鈥 says Leonard. 鈥淔or example, you can simulate behaviors in the conceptual phase, test a new system with more precision before it鈥檚 launched, and measure the impact of an upcoming upgrade after launch.鈥澨
For satellites already on orbit, a digital twin is a game-changing way to measure essential attributes such as resiliency. For example, the听听measured cyber vulnerabilities, allowing for modernization of a system launched before space cyber defense was top of mind.
Spin Up a Twin: The Benefits of Moving Fast
鈥淲e can spin up to a mature, functioning听digital twin听state quickly,鈥 John explains. Our digital-first perspective, as well as our experience creating reference architectures on defense systems to help the government break vendor lock, has given us insights on how to create efficiencies without compromising security.听
We offer experience over hundreds of projects, offering:听
And we apply lessons learned to speed success, delivering benefits like:
- Intelligent space cyber defense
- Improved resilience with decreased risk
- Increased productivity and return on investment
- Capability for rapid, continual upgrades