Rigorous, traceable, ECSS-compliant systems engineering support across the full V-cycle.
An independent systems engineering consultancy based in Toulouse, structured to support ESA programmes, prime contractors, and research institutions across the full system lifecycle. Bringing focused technical expertise where it is needed most — from early requirements to final verification.
Mission Systems Engineering
Requirements definition, functional architecture development, and trade-off analysis for Earth observation, navigation, and scientific missions. Full ECSS-compliant lifecycle support.
Risk & Safety Analysis
Probabilistic risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies for mission-critical systems.
System Architecture & Design
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), functional decomposition, interface definition, and architecture trade studies for complex space systems.
Verification & Validation
V&V planning, test campaign support, and review preparation (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR). Compliance matrix development aligned with ESA, CNES, and customer requirements.
Performance & Budget Analysis
System budgets including mass, power, thermal, and data. Margin policy definition and quantitative performance modelling across the lifecycle.
Space Data Systems
GIS-based spatial analysis supporting Earth observation and mission analysis activities, with experience in planetary datasets and landing site assessment.
A rigorous, structured approach at every phase
Our workflow is anchored in ECSS standards and ESA best practices, ensuring full traceability
Phase 0 / AMission Analysis & Feasibility
Concept definition, stakeholder needs capture, and top-level requirements. ConOps development and feasibility assessment against programmatic and technical constraints.
Phase BPreliminary Design
System architecture consolidation, budget definition, interface control documentation, and trade-off studies. Preparation and support for PDR.
Phase C / DDetailed Design & Integration
Design verification & validation, integration and test planning, and support to anomaly and non-conformance tracking.
Phase EOperations & Exploitation
Support to operational concept definition and ground segment analysis, with focus on mission performance assessment, and system-level consistency.
About
VDK Space & Data Systems is a systems engineering consultancy supporting space programmes, prime contractors, and research institutions across Europe.
Founded by a systems engineer with advanced training in space systems engineering, VDK contributes across the system lifecycle, from early mission concept and requirements definition to design, verification, and mission-level analysis.
Based in Toulouse, at the heart of Europe’s space ecosystem, VDK operates within a demanding technical environment and applies rigorous, structured practices where mission success depends on precision, consistency, and traceability.
VDK offers direct engagement, agility, and continuity across all engineering activities, providing consistent and reliable support throughout the project.
Let's Work Together
VDK Space & Data Systems provides structured, accountable systems engineering support across the full mission lifecycle.
You collaborate directly with the engineer behind the work, ensuring continuity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to your mission’s success.