Exchange Model for Harmonizing Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) Products and Tools

Key elements of NASA’s Digital Transformation initiative strategy calls for “digitally transforming NASA’s data use, collaboration, model-based work, administrative processes, application of artificial intelligence, and workforce and culture” and this SBIR proposal is specifically addressing the model-based work area. Mosaic proposes to develop a Digital Engineering Information Exchange Model (DEIXM) based on open-source standards including SysML, UML and ISO’s STEP – standards for the exchange of product model data – group of standards along with a DEIXM Model Viewer (DMV) that provides a centralized location to view digital model artifacts in a common format. Ultimately, the DMV along with the DEIXM will demonstrate the integration of digital models developed in different MBSE tools that maintains model integrity with minimal need to manually edit the digital models. The idea of creating a standards-based approach to sharing digital model data between organizations was presented by the Department of Defense in a 2018 briefing for the 21st Annual National Defense Industrial Association Systems and Mission Engineering Conference. The briefing called for the creation of a DEIXM that would facilitate the exchange of textual, graphical, tabular, and other digital model artifacts along with an “integrated digital viewer.” Implementing a DEIXM is envisioned to reduce the amount of effort required to integrate digital models between the government and contractors, as well as between contractors. The DEIXM created in this effort will focus on establishing a standard that supports NASA missions. It will leverage previous efforts to use MBSE to support space mission design from the NASA MBSE Pathfinder work done across NASA, as well as lessons learned from the DEIXM Working Group established by the OMG.

Any new NASA project that is required to use an MBSE design approach to meet the goals of NASA’s Digital Transformation initiative. Existing NASA projects in the early design phase that are not currently using an MBSE design approach. Established NASA systems that are undergoing an enhancement design that could use MBSE to support evaluation of design alternatives.

Any large-scale development project sponsored by government organizations such as the DoD, FAA, and DOE that want to pursue an MBSE design approach. Non-government system integrators such as Boeing, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin that are responsible for integrating design artifacts from subcontractors to support a project

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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