A fundamental expectation of systems engineering is to mature the concept development into well-stated requirements at the various descending levels of system detail. The accepted standard for defining requirements uses the following seven questions to assess if a requirement is well stated:

Is it traceable to a user need or operational requirement? (Yes)

Is it redundant with any other requirement? (No)

Is it consistent with other requirements? (Yes, requirements should not contradict each other or force an engineer into an infeasible solution.)

Is it unambiguous and not subject to interpretation? (Yes)

Is it technologically feasible? (Yes)

Is it affordable? (Yes)

Is it verifiable? (Yes)

Requirements can be managed through the development of budgets. Typical budgets for astronomy missions are structured as follows.