Modular and Reusable Spacecraft Design: A Systematic Review of Engineering Approaches
Keywords:
modular spacecraft, reusable spacecraft, space systems, engineering, spacecraft architecture, sustainability in spaceAbstract
The growing demand for cost-effective, flexible, and sustainable space missions has intensified interest in modular and reusable spacecraft architectures as alternatives to traditional monolithic designs. This study presents a systematic review of engineering approaches to modular and reusable spacecraft systems published between 2000 and 2025. Peer-reviewed articles and conference proceedings were retrieved from major indexed databases and screened using predefined inclusion criteria focused on systems engineering, architectural configuration, and mission performance. The analysis reveals a clear evolution from tightly integrated spacecraft toward architectures emphasizing standardized interfaces, plug-and-play subsystems, distributed configurations, and servicing compatibility. Reported benefits include reduced integration time, improved fault isolation, and enhanced lifecycle flexibility, particularly in multi-mission contexts. However, modular designs introduce structural mass penalties, increased interface complexity, and reliability challenges. The findings indicate that harmonized interface standards and long-term validation data are essential to enable scalable, sustainable, and service-oriented space infrastructure.
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Data Availability Statement
The data supporting the findings of this study are derived from publicly available scientific publications cited in the reference list. No new datasets were generated.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Marina Corrêa Freitas, Esther Anjo (Author)
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