Qfinsoft Partners with NewSpace Systems to Enhance Product Design
Qfinsoft (PTY) LTD, a South African software solutions provider, has partnered with NewSpace Systems, a leading manufacturer of space components and subsystems. This collaboration will enable NewSpace Systems to utilise Ansys Simulation software in their product design process.
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The partnership will allow NewSpace Systems to integrate Ansys Simulation software into their design workflow. Ansys is a widely recognised leader in engineering simulation software, offering tools for various aspects of product design, including structural analysis, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetic simulation.
By incorporating Ansys Simulation software, NewSpace Systems aims to optimise and improve its product design process. This move is expected to bring several benefits:
- Enhanced product performance: The simulation software will allow NewSpace Systems to test and refine their designs virtually before physical prototyping, potentially improving product performance.
- Cost reduction: By identifying and resolving design issues early in the development process, the company may reduce the need for multiple physical prototypes, lowering development costs.
- Faster time-to-market: Virtual simulations can accelerate the design process, allowing NewSpace Systems to bring their products to market more quickly.
- Increased innovation: Access to advanced simulation tools may enable NewSpace Systems to explore more innovative designs and push the boundaries of their product capabilities.
NSS Simulates Satellites to Overcome Shock and Vibration Challenges
NewSpace Systems (NSS) recently encountered a design challenge with a field programmable gate array (FPGA), as reported by Qfinsoft. FPGAs are critical components in NSS’s satellite systems, serving as the core of modern control circuitry. These devices must withstand the extreme conditions of a rocket launch, including intense vibrations and shock loads while maintaining perfect reliability throughout the satellite’s operational life, which often spans several decades. The repeated stress cycles during this period could lead to fatigue failure.
During initial physical vibration tests, NSS discovered cracks in two electrical leads of their new FPGA design, necessitating a board redesign. Recognising that physical prototype construction and testing are time-consuming and expensive, NSS sought an alternative approach. They collaborated with Qfinsoft to employ Ansys Sherlock electronics reliability prediction software. This software allowed NSS to simulate the cause of the failures and evaluate various mitigation strategies virtually.
The implementation of the Sherlock model significantly accelerated the testing process. Engineers at NewSpace Systems could test design iterations within hours after setting up the Sherlock model, dramatically reducing the weeks-long process typically required for physical prototyping. Furthermore, this approach enabled NSS to efficiently address their FPGA design’s shock and vibration challenges, streamlining their development process and potentially reducing costs associated with multiple physical prototypes.
This collaboration underscores the growing importance of advanced simulation tools in the space industry. As the sector continues to evolve and expand, particularly with the rise of small satellites and commercial space ventures, the ability to rapidly design and iterate high-performance components becomes increasingly crucial. In addition, the partnership between NewSpace Systems and Qfinsoft illustrates a trend towards increased collaboration between space hardware manufacturers and software solution providers. Such collaborations will continue to drive future innovation and efficiency in the space industry.
About NewSpace Systems & Qfinsoft (PTY) LTD
Established in 2010, NewSpace Systems specialises in developing and manufacturing high-quality space components and subsystems, focusing on Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) products. The company has a global presence, with facilities in South Africa, North America, Europe, and Oceania. Its product line includes attitude control systems, magnetometers, and sun sensors, crucial components for satellite operations. In addition, the company collaborates with major commercial spacecraft manufacturers and exports to over 33 countries.
On the other hand, Qfinsoft (PTY) LTD is a South African company that provides engineering software solutions. It is known for its computer-aided engineering (CAE) expertise and is an authorised distributor of Ansys software in the region. Furthermore, for more than two decades, Qfinsoft has been helping African companies optimise and improve processes, product development and efficiency.