Systems Engineering for Value-Sustainable Space Exploration: Philosophy, Architecture, and Practice
Wei Dang , Pengcheng Xu , Zuohuan Zheng , Jingfei Zhang , Dahui Wang , Yingwu Chen , Wen Zhang , Junwei Luo , Jingyuan Li , Hengxu Song , Yiyong Xiao , Shengyang Xiong , Baojun Lin , Yi Ren
Strategic Study of CAE ›› 2025, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (3) : 229 -246.
Systems Engineering for Value-Sustainable Space Exploration: Philosophy, Architecture, and Practice
Space exploration activities have progressed into a stage of value-sustainable development. Leading space-faring nations prioritize full lifecycle cost reduction to drive sustainability, enhanced by value-oriented objectives in uncharted frontiers. This progression necessitates addressing the fundamental theoretical challenge of achieving cognitive adaptive sustainability for exploration-driven missions, which involves unknown states across macro/micro mission scopes and internal/external system boundaries. Building on Qian Xuesen's foundational theories of engineering cybernetics, systems engineering, and systems science, this study integrates empirical insights into space science and applications from over 30 years of engineering practice in China's Manned Space Program. Guided by system theory and Metasynthetic Wisdom, we establish a value-sustainable space exploration systems engineering (TSE) framework derived from first principles through theoretical synthesis and deductive development. The TSE framework comprises an AI-driven methodology of "probing universal truths via macro‒micro reciprocation"; a data-knowledge-logic cognitive triad structure with its general basic principles and architecture; a triple-nested adaptive control mechanism grounded in mathematical‒physical underpinnings; and principles for constructing system resilience under unknown states. The comprehensive implementation of China's manned space science—advancing cost reduction and scientific exploration—together with foward-looking applications in lunar projects, demonstrates that TSE framework significantly enhances value sustainability in space exploration. This work advances Qian Xuesen's "Creating Systematology" vision while providing systematic methodologies and engineering support for strengthening China's space sector in the new era.
space exploration / value-sustainable / systems engineering / adaptive control / deep space exploration / space power
National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFF0610100)
National Natural Science Fund Project(12090010)
China Manned Space Project of National Science and Technology Major Project
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