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Dynamics Control Analysis

Creating and using models for each component of the satellite under dynamic control is Dynamics Control Analysis.

Every significant component of the satellite hardware and software must be sufficiently modeled. Each model must be justified and demonstrated. Which components are significant and what modelling is sufficient depends on the requirements.

The analysis is completed when it confirms the required performance will be achieved in flight, but the job is done when the findings are documented and reviewed by the stakeholders.

Getting Started:

The process of hiring an Independent DCA Consultant follows some necessary steps, where “Client” is the company receiving the services and “Analyst” is the consultant.

Client: Find an Independent DCA analyst
Client and Analyst: Discuss goals and objectives
Client: Write a draft Statement of Work (SOW)
Analyst: Review and sign the SOW
Client: Write a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
Analyst: Review and sign the NDA
Begin Work!

In this line of work, the client often supplies the computer and IT support to comply with company rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How specific does the statement of work need to be?

This is a choice for the client. A highly specific SOW narrows the scope. A general SOW allows the analyst to contribute broadly.

Do we need an NDA?

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) allows the client to share proprietary information with the consultant. This is usually necessary.

What does an independent DCA consultant do?

Ideally, the consultant provides services that are not readily available from the employees. The line can be grey between an employee DCA and a consultant. We fill in any shortage in the DCA staffing, limited to the agreed scope. This could be reviewing existing designs, providing expertise in an area needed, or simply additional help to meet a goal.

What is the difference between an Independent Consultant and an Independent Contractor?

A consultant provides more strategic services while a contractor is more like a temporary employee. Most Independent Consultants can operate as Independent Contractors. Either way, we set our pay rate and hours, pay our own taxes, we do not get paid benefits such as vacation or sick leave, we arrange for our own retirement savings, and we typically work for multiple companies simultaneously.

Can an Independent DCA consultant help in the middle of a project?

Absolutely. An Independent DCA consultant can help to meet program objectives at any stage during a program.

Does DCA do software development?

Yes. Software development can be part of the software analysis through automatic code generation. This assures the software flown is as close as possible to the software analyzed. Software can also be taken from other development and used in the analysis, so DCA software development is not required in all cases.

How did you make that cool DCA icon?

I did it using LaTeX with the Tikz package. Then converted from a PDF to a PNG using the convert utility which can transform white space to transparent using the command:
$ convert -density 100 logo.pdf -transparent white logo.png

Note: This process essentially generates the logo from a script without any fancy mouse clicking.

Do DCA consultants provide leadership?

Independent DCA consultants can provide some help with leadership such as mentorship and task leadership with small teams, but we would recommend a consultant like Strativus Group, LLC for management level leadership.

Speaking of avionic, can a DCA consultant design the avionics for a spacecraft?

We excel at analyzing an existing design. We can support a new design by teaming with firms like NovaSolvers, Scaled Space, or CSU-GNC.

Do you consult about spacecraft DCA only?

Good question! My experience has been spacecraft related, but much of the theory and practice applies to any industry which depend on dynamics and control. I’d love to be given a chance to consult in another field.

Is Dynamics Control Analysis the name of your company or a job title?

Both. As a sole proprietor, I am doing business as “Dynamics Control Analysis,” but this is also used, or some variation of the words is used, as a job title in many companies.

Are you currently available to consult?

We are always available. See our Policies for details on how we set priorities.

Where did the uniquely beautiful images on this website come from?

The images are all taken from my multi talented wife’s acrylic paintings.

This website looks rather basic, do you want some professional help to make it look better?

We get this question a lot. Unfortunately, we have no budget for web consulting. If you have a particular suggestion, we’d love to hear it.

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Services

Dynamics Control Analysis​

Getting Started:

Frequently Asked Questions

TALK TO US

Dynamics Control Analysis