Space Station Design Workshop: Recent Evolution Of The Conceptual Design Environment For Human Space Exploration

Paper number

IAC-07-D1.3.07

Author

Mr. Juergen Schlutz, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Florian Renk, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Ernst W. Messerschmid, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Coauthor

Mrs. Britta Ganzer, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Year

2007

Abstract

The Space Station Design Workshop (SSDW) has been developed for over ten years at the Institute of Space Systems of the Universitaet Stuttgart, providing exceptional methodology and sophisticated software tools for space systems engineering. It enables a small design team to run through a conceptual design process in a relatively fast time, usually one week, while addressing all aspects of concurrent and systems engineering of a complex human space exploration mission.

The current design environment of the SSDW combines a well-documented methodology, including tables of design heuristics for manned space systems design with software tools focusing on systems modelling, simulation and analysis. This software package comprises three modules: COMET for configuration modelling and visualisation, IRIS++ for orbit and attitude flight simulation, and ELISSA for interactive life support and subsystems simulation. These tools have been used and validated in several international and interdisciplinary student workshops focusing on missions in low Earth orbit. However, recent exploration strategies as announced by NASA and others require extension of the existing software package with additional emphasise on interplanetary trajectory design as well as the integration of surface models and surface base modelling and simulation within the SSDW design environment.

This paper focuses on the modelling and simulation of the surface environment and surface installations for the Moon. The special conditions of the lunar environment, including topography, gravity, lighting and radiation, communication windows, temperature, soil composition, etc., are summarised and processed with respect to human activities on the Moon in a way to provide a quick and comprehensive reference model for conceptual systems design. Where applicable, the above mentioned software tools are modified to integrate this model in the design process while the modelling and simulation capabilities are extended to account for the investigation of surface stations, modules and components.
Due to its location on the Moon, another emphasis has to be put on transfer and logistics challenges and constraints for such an endeavour. Typical staging strategies are compared for a sustained development of lunar exploration and the mass and propulsion requirements are traded with respect to size, location and operations of the lunar base.

Abstract document

IAC-07-D1.3.07.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-D1.3.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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