1. Introduction

This chapter is an overall introduction to the whole book. The chapter starts with a description of the aims of the book and provides a justification for its existence. It continues with the actors and roles involved in the process of starting a new space system. The next section deals with the generalist “architectural” perspective that is necessary to define a space system. The following two sections deal with the evolution of the design process. The first one discusses the design and implementation of a space system and the second recalls the names and aims of the phases that are normally used to define a space system. The next section presents what constitutes a space system. The chapter finishes with a brief glossary of terms that are used repeatedly in the book and with a list of recommended supplementary texts.