The Data Vault Handbook - Concepts and Applications

Satellites are versatile and can be attached to either Hubs or Links. There may be multiple Satellites for a single Hub or Link, each storing different sets of attributes based on factors like varying source systems, different frequencies of updates, or functional separations within the data. This modular approach allows for flexibility and scalability in data modeling. Importantly, Satellites are designed to be dependent on only one parent ta- ble—either a Hub or a Link. This ensures a clear and manageable structure within the Data Vault, maintaining the integrity and traceability of the data throughout its lifecycle.

SATELLITE STRUCTURE

— Hash Key + Load Date TS: Together form the composite primary key, uniquely identifying each record by the business key (Hash Key) and the specific point in time it was recorded (Load Date TS)

— Record Source: Identifies the originating system or application, providing traceability and ensuring data lineage

— Hash Diff: A hash value calculated from the descriptive attributes, used to detect changes efficiently by comparing hashes instead of individual attributes (Section 2.1.2) — Descriptive Attributes 1 to n: The attributes that describe the business object or relationship, providing the context and content captured in the satellite