An Integrated Modeling Tool for Sustainable Space Exploration

Abstract

In order to ensure that future human lunar and Mars exploration programs are both affordable and sustainable, it is essential to consider the impact of logistics, especially for long-duration and multiple mission campaigns. It is important that logistics be taken into account at an early stage in the design process, because the exploration architecture and vehicle design undoubtedly impact logistics-related operations costs. In order to understand the specific logistics costs associated with various exploration architecture choices, a modeling framework and planning tool for interplanetary space logistics is required. Terrestrial logistics and supply chain management is a highly-developed field; techniques for efficient supply chain management have been proven very effective in the business case. The wealth of information in this area can be applied to the interplanetary problem in order to develop a model for understanding space logistics. This paper describes the space logistics model developed by personnel at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to understand the supply chain management problem for human lunar and Mars exploration. This paper also discusses the results of several trade studies performed using this tool. * For more detailed demand forecasting, a total of 44 sub-classes of supply were developed, but these are subsequently aggregated into the ten classes shown in Figure 2.

Interstellar Probe — Where is the “Nose” of the Heliosphere?

“…The development of individual logistics systems for each subsequent mission is associated with high costs and low performance, and also has a negative impact on the environment. It is, therefore, postulated to replace single, timely logistics systems with a permanent, flexible logistics network connecting terrestrial and outer space cells, however, focusing mainly on the flows in space (Ho et al, In addition, due to the significant impact of outer space projects on life on Earth, it is postulated that the logistics, as their part, presented a more sustainable nature (Shull et al, 2006).…”