Spacecraft design requires integration of many disciplines through systems engineering.  First phase is Conceptual Design, consisting of a series of trade studies to meet mission requirements given real-world constraints.

Virtual Spacecraft Design Laboratory

The links below illustrate Conceptual Design of a hypothetical communications satellite bus, with explanations and renderings that reference the associated Virtual Spacecraft Design Classroom (words highlighted in blue are defined and discussed in the classroom).

VSDL specifically addresses satellite bus design and not the associated ground system, which is often equally or more complicated and expensive.

• Design
• Astrodynamics
• Propulsion
• Power
• Thermal Control
• Structures
• Attitude Determination and Control (AD&C)
• Integration and Test