Campaign-Level Dynamic Network Modelling for Spaceflight Logistics for the Flexible Path Concept
- Paper number
IAC-15,D2,8-A5.4,4,x27650
- Author
Dr. Koki Ho, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Olivier de Weck, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Coauthor
Prof. Jeffrey Hoffman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Robert Shishko, JPL, United States
- Year
2015
- Abstract
This research develops a dynamic logistics network formulation for high-level lifecycle optimization of space mission sequences in order to find the optimal space transportation architecture considering its technology trades over time. The proposed methodologies are inspired by the ground logistics analysis techniques based on linear programming network optimization. A new formulation with a generalized multi-commodity flow and a time-expanded network is developed for dynamic space logistics optimization. The developed methodologies are applied to three case studies: 1) human exploration of Mars; 2) human exploration of a Near Earth Object (NEO); 3) human exploration of both Mars and NEO. The results reveal multiple dynamic system-level trades over time and provide recommendation of the optimal strategy for the human space exploration architecture. The considered trades include those between In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and propulsion technologies as well as the orbit and depot location selection over time. The numerical results show that using the propulsion technologies, ISRU, and other space infrastructure effectively, we can reduce the Initial Mass to LEO (IMLEO) by 40-50\%. In addition, the case study results also show that we can achieve 15-20\% IMLEO reduction by designing NEO and Mars missions together as a campaign compared with designing them separately owing to their common space infrastructure pre-deployment. This research serves as a precursor for eventual permanent settlement and colonization of other planets by humans and makes us becoming a multi-planet species.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-15,D2,8-A5.4,4,x27650.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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