A Flexible Architecture and Object-Oriented Model for Space Logistics Simulation

Abstract

This paper summarizes the motivation for and the resulting development of a flexible object-oriented software model for simulation and analysis of space exploration campaign logistics. The software model was designed to be applicable to several widely-varying use case scenarios including International Space Station resupply, support for a long-term lunar outpost and global lunar exploration, and Martian exploration by human and robotic agents. The model includes analysis capability for exploration sustainability topics including reusability, reconfigurability, commonality, and repairability. Key additional features include modular demand models that are easily interchanged, element-level models for finegrained demand integration, and reconfigurable system operational states to dynamically change demand models. Other capabilities include generalized impulsive burn maneuvers, surface transportation, abstracted flight transportation, improved support for multidestination scenarios, and multi-user collaboration via online databases. Nomenclature COTS

Space Logistics Modeling and Simulation Analysis using SpaceNet: Four Application Cases

“…4 One of the goals for development of the subsequent versions of SpaceNetunder the version 2.X umbrellawas to analyze the "ilities" of exploration, including reconfigurability, repairability, commonality, and reusability. 5 Within the context of space logistics, reconfigurability is the ability for elements to change operational state during an exploration, repairability is the ability to use crew time and lower-level resources rather than providing spare parts, commonality is the ability to use shared components to repair and/or spare multiple elements, and reusability is the ability to use elements across multiple missions. In addition to quantifying the "ilities" of space exploration, SpaceNet 2.5 also made the transition from single-mission lunar explorations to general-purpose, multi-mission campaigns at a variety of destinations.…”

Matrix Methods for Optimal Manifesting of Multi-Node Space Exploration Systems

“…Though past work used the concept of flights to deliver supplies, a more general modeling framework uses the notion of a transport, previously applied in the context of integrated space exploration logistics [10]. A transport is defined as the discrete movement of cargo up to a capacity limit from an origin node to a destination node with associated departure and arrival times.…”

“…Mission 10 performs a 14-day remote exploration before returning to the base with the logistics carrier. To estimate demands for resources during surface transports and local exploration including the effects of ISRU and ECLSS processes, the lunar exploration system was analyzed using SpaceNet, an open source integrated modeling and simulation software tool [10]. An underlying discrete event simulator enables the instantiation of element models and definition of transports between nodes.…”

“…The existing methods have been further expanded upon using a modeling framework developed for integrated space logistics simulation to allow for more general multi-transport, multi-node scenarios [10]. The expanded framework presented in this paper provides matrix-based methods for a wider range of scenarios under consideration for future exploration campaigns including long-duration crewed missions, necessary for any exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.…”