Subsystem Interdependency N² Diagram
Hover to trace who sends what to whom. Click any off-diagonal cell to see the interface details describing the flow of power, data, or thermal control between spacecraft subsystems.
Row highlight = outputs from the selected subsystem
Column highlight = inputs received by the selected
subsystem
Diagonal = subsystem itself (no interface)
Quick Glossary (plain language)
- ADCS: Attitude Determination and Control System—keeps the spacecraft pointed the right way.
- Bus: The shared power line that distributes electricity to subsystems.
- Burn: A brief thruster firing that changes speed or direction.
- Telemetry: Health and status data the spacecraft sends back.
- Downlink: Sending data from the spacecraft to Earth.
- Slew: A controlled pointing movement to a new attitude.
Outputs →
Inputs ↓
Inputs ↓
Power
Propulsion
Thermal
ADCS
Comms
Power
Power
Propulsion
Propulsion
Thermal
Thermal
ADCS
ADCS
Comms
Comms
Select an interface above to see details.
📝 Usage Notes & Attribution
Use this N² diagram to explore how five core subsystems trade power, heat, and data. Start by tracing the highlighted row (outputs) and column (inputs), then click an intersection to read the interface details.
Additional space system student resources can be found at spacetechchronicles.com/student-resources.
This visualization is Copyright © 2025 Dr. Daniel Singleton. All rights reserved. Please keep this attribution when sharing or adapting the material for class use.