DMGB SYSTEMS / READING THE EVIDENCE
A drawing can show an idea. A test can show what happened. Before trusting a space technology, ask what has actually been demonstrated.
PMI means Progress Toward Mission Infusion. These four categories describe progress toward using a device on a mission. They are not a score for how exciting an idea sounds.
The idea has a sound scientific basis.
There may be a drawing or a test of the underlying physics. A working mission device has not been established by this category.
Ask: what makes the idea scientifically feasible?
At minimum, scientific feasibility has been established. Experimental verification of underlying physics or a notional device design may also exist. Approximately aligned with technology readiness levels (TRL) 1–3.
An early device has shown its basic function.
The device still needs development toward the capabilities and requirements of its intended use.
Ask: what worked, and under which conditions?
At minimum, a low-fidelity device has operated in an appropriate environment to show basic function and help predict capabilities. More mature hardware may still belong here when no selection for a specific mission has been publicly announced. Even a flight demonstration may remain in this category if fidelity or demonstrated capability is insufficient for the intended product. Approximately aligned with TRL 4–5.
A device has shown key capabilities for a specific mission.
Testing relates to mission requirements. Qualification or further demonstration may still be needed.
Ask: does the test match the planned mission?
At minimum, medium-fidelity hardware has operated in a simulated final environment and demonstrated key capabilities against a specific mission's requirements. A mission opportunity must be identified in open literature. E does not necessarily mean greater technical maturity than D; a documented mission opportunity is an important distinction. This category can include an unsuccessful flight demonstration, or previously successful hardware needing qualification for a new environment or platform. Approximately aligned with TRL 5–6.
The device has shown its key capabilities in space.
The demonstration used an appropriate platform and the intended space environment, with the outcome described in open literature.
Ask: what was demonstrated, and where can I read the result?
A high-fidelity component or system, representative in fit, form and function, has operated in its intended in-space environment on an appropriate platform and successfully demonstrated key capabilities. A successful flight and its outcome must be identified in open literature. Routine production or repeated missions may exist but are not required. Approximately aligned with TRL 7–9.
Satellites support weather observation, communications and environmental monitoring. Understanding what their technology has actually demonstrated helps readers distinguish a promising proposal from evidence they can inspect.
For example: “the thruster was launched” tells you less than “it operated in orbit, met the stated requirements, and the results were published.” Neither statement alone tells you its cost or suitability for another spacecraft.