The evolving needs of customers and stakeholders necessitate the collaboration of diverse system elements within a cyber-physical, socio-technical network. Such Sociotechnical systems are characterized by numerous complex interdependencies as well as by endogenous and exogenous influences. A key issue that developers must address is the mitigation of data and information uncertainties. This paper introduces an ontological approach to facilitate the identification and mitigation of uncertainties in data and information within a model-based methodology for satellite development projects. The work outlines the results of preliminary studies forming the foundation for this ontological concept. The proposed approach comprises an overarching General Ontology, complemented by a Uncertainty and Structure Ontology, creating a framework for uncertainty management in satellite development.

Advanced design offices have traditionally applied conceptual design techniques based on semi-empirical methods in an attempt to develop an accurate prediction of aircraft designs at the end of the development process. Continuing advances in computer capability and rotorcraft analysis software present an opportunity to re-think conceptual design to include the greater use of physics-based analyses. A roadmap for developing this capability is outlined, taking into account techniques and ideas from Model-Based Systems Engineering, Design Thinking and Multidisciplinary Optimisation. Recent activities that demonstrate some of these desired capabilities are briefly described along with lessons learned.