Timeline

Jul 2020
Project Kick-Off
The Kick-Off meeting defines the scope of work, work packages and formal system requirements between all partners.

Preliminary Design

Q4 2020
Preliminary Design Review
The PDR will confirm that all subsystems, and their enabling building blocks have been defined appropriately, and will satisfy mission requirements. It will also present an opportunity to ensure risks have been identified and appropriate mitigation plans are in place.

Detailed Design

Q2 2021
Critical Design Review
The CDR will ensure that all specifications, drawings and documentation have been appropriately defined and captured. Analysis of designs will be re-verified following any changes from the PDR. The successful completion of the CDR will permit manufacture, assembly and programming of the hardware that will be launched into space.

Assembly & Integration

Q4 2022
Test Readiness Review
The Test Readiness Review will be a necessary stage-gate, to ensure that all sub-systems, and the system as a whole is ready to undergo rigorous testing. The meeting will require all test plans, test specifications and procedures to be in place before the Test Manager will sign off on Test Readiness.

System Level Verification Campaign

Q4 2022
Flight Readiness Review
The Flight Readiness Review will assess the status of the spacecraft systems prior to delivery to the launch provider.

Q2 2023 (L=0)
Launch
The all important launch will send SpIRIT into a Sun Synchronous Orbit around Earth.

L+12hrs
Early Operations
The first few hours after launch are critical to ensure the spacecraft will be ready to begin communicating with the ground. First any spinning is slowed, and then initial communications and basic spacecraft checkout can begin.

L+2days
Checkout & Commissioning
SpIRIT will go through sequential checkout and commissioning of the spacecraft and then each payload. This will ensure all instruments and scientific experiments are calibrated and functioning correctly.

L+4months
Main Operations
The main operational phase of SpIRIT will see the TheMIS, Hermes and Mercury modules alternately function with the Thruster, ensuring all modules receive sufficient operational time and use of resources on-board.

L+2yrs
SpIRIT Disposal
In accordance with international agreements, the SpIRIT spacecraft will be safely disposed of into the atmosphere, where it will gradually burn up, keeping Earth’s orbit clear for future explorers.