The development approach of the project adopts a 3-model philosophy, namely Engineering model (EM), Qualification Model (QM) and Flight Model (FM).

Engineering Model (EM)

There are two objectives of the development of EM, namely

• to build and construct a structure model (SM) and test it to confirm its structural integrity that the entire satellite design together with its intended mission
payloads can survive the anticipated launch environment expected with the launch vehicle.

• to assemble, integrate and test all electrical and electronic subsystems(sometimes called engineering test beds or ETB) to confirm its functional interface
and integration. The integrated ETB is called flat-satellite.

Qualification Model (QM)

The QM is developed and constructed with the objective to confirm the systems perform satisfactorily in the intended environment with adequate margin.
The QM will be put through environmental tests (thermal, vibration, etc.) to confirm this.

Qualification Model Pre-Stackup Testing

Flight Model (FM)

The FM is the final model that will be built and constructed after the project has cleared the QM milestone. FM is also the actual final satellite systems that will be launched.

Milestone

Over the last 1.5 years, several major milestones were accomplished, i.e.

1. Completion of EM (Engineering Model) milestone in Feb 2007
2. Review of EM by IRP (International Review Panel) in Feb 2007
3. Injection of additional funds from DSTA into the project in Mar 2007
4. Installation of NTU MCS (Mission Control Station) in Mar 2007 and its follow-up
5. Preparation of NTU Clean Room Facility for space-electronics works in Aug 2007
6. Software Review in Feb 2008

Currently, the project is in the QM (Qualification Model) phase. And the target is to complete the QM milestone by October 2008.

S/N	Description & Milestones	Status
1	Systems Requirement Review (SRR)	22 to 24 Oct 02
2	Systems Definition Review (SDR)	18 to 20 Feb 03
3	Preliminary Design Review (PDR)	10 to 13 Feb 04
4	Management Change	1 Sep 05
5	Critical Design Review / Engineering Model (CDR1 / EM)	3 to 5 Jan 07
6	International Review Panel (IRP)	5 to 7 Feb 07
7	Qualification Model Assembly, Integration and Test (QM AIT)	Dec 08
8	Flight Model Assembly, Integration and Test (FM AIT)	To Be Determined
9	Launch Readiness Review (LRR)	To Be Determined
10	Launch and Early Operation (LEOP)	To Be Determined