The space industry is undergoing a fundamental shift from traditional government led missions to agile, commercially driven space activities. This shift is being driven by the digital revolution and the increasing accessibility of small satellite technologies, allowing new players such as universities, startups, and potentially non-space companies to participate in space exploration. As small satellites grow in popularity, so does the demand for customized Mission Assurance (MA) frameworks, especially in combination with hosted payloads and qualified platforms. While established MA frameworks from agencies such as NASA and ESA are well documented and requirements-driven, they are not fully suited for constraint-driven missions and for developers without space experience. This creates a gap in the literature for new space missions that require speed, flexibility and reliability. To fill this gap, this thesis applies a design action research approach that combines design science research (DSR) and action research. Through iterative action research and validation using the DSR methodology, a mission assurance process model was developed, refined, and validated. The action research was applied to the SeRANIS mission, a 300 kg multi-payload small satellite developed on a five-year schedule by an interdisciplinary team, including personnel with no space experience. With 23 payloads on board, SeRANIS provides a rich development and verification environment for evaluating payload-centric processes. Within the DSR framework, a review statistic, two questionnaires, and an interview were used to refine and validate the model. This methodological symbiosis ensures that the model is stringently structured and provides robust, field-tested solutions that are adaptable to specific mission contexts. The model emphasizes process assurance over individual component assurance, supporting reusability and scalability across similar small satellite missions. The final process model bridges traditional approaches with new space, supporting rapid development while ensuring alignment with essential standards. Validated both within the SeRANIS context and by international government organisations, the model is designed for broad applicability. Central to the model are six well-defined process categories: schedule, team and meeting structure, risk identification, data management, review item discrepancies (RIDs), and rating system. Each category was systematically refined and thoroughly detailed, resulting in a holistic and actionable process framework. As a result, this work provides a process model that both industry and academia can use to address strategic and operational development challenges in the evolving new space landscape.     «

The space industry is undergoing a fundamental shift from traditional government led missions to agile, commercially driven space activities. This shift is being driven by the digital revolution and the increasing accessibility of small satellite technologies, allowing new players such as universities, startups, and potentially non-space companies to participate in space exploration. As small satellites grow in popularity, so does the demand for customized Mission Assurance (MA) frameworks, espe...     »