Modular and Reusable Spacecraft Design: A Systematic Review of Engineering Approaches

Authors

  • Marina Freitas International Center for Biomedical & Space Sciences , University of Aveiro image/svg+xml , LIASTRA Institute Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1723-4113
    Competing Interests

    The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest.

     

  • Esther Anjo International Center for Biomedical & Space Sciences , Fundação de Apoio à Escola Técnica image/svg+xml , LIASTRA Institute Author
    Competing Interests

    The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66234/4etc3n46

Keywords:

modular spacecraft, reusable spacecraft, space systems, engineering, spacecraft architecture, sustainability in space

Abstract

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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Author Biographies

  • Marina Freitas, International Center for Biomedical & Space Sciences, University of Aveiro, LIASTRA Institute

    Founder & CEO of LIASTRA and ICBS Laboratory | Researcher at NASA OSDR Analysis Working Groups | NASA TOPS Scientist | BSc Biomedical Sciences at University of Aveiro | BSc student in Chemistry | Postgraduate studies in Astronomy, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning | MBA

  • Esther Anjo, International Center for Biomedical & Space Sciences, Fundação de Apoio à Escola Técnica, LIASTRA Institute

    Esther Anjo is an author and researcher affiliated with the International Center for Biomedical & Space Sciences (ICBS), LIASTRA Institute. She is an Occupational Safety Technician trained at Escola Técnica Estadual Santa Cruz – FAETEC. Her academic interests include biomedical sciences, health, scientific innovation, digital health, occupational safety, scientific production, and knowledge development applied to life sciences.

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Published

2026-02-27

Data Availability Statement

No new datasets were generated or analyzed during this study. All data supporting the findings of this systematic review are available in the published literature cited in the reference list.

Issue

Vol. 1 (2026): Journal of Biomedical & Space Sciences (JBSS) Vol. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Marina Corrêa Freitas, Esther Anjo (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Articles published in the Journal of Biomedical & Space Sciences (JBSS) are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication. Users are free to share and adapt the material provided proper attribution is given to the original author and source. ISSN: 3086-4712

How to Cite

Modular and Reusable Spacecraft Design: A Systematic Review of Engineering Approaches. (2026). Journal of Biomedical & Space Sciences (JBSS), 1. https://doi.org/10.66234/4etc3n46

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