Title:
Survey of Flexibility in Space Exploration Systems
Survey of Flexibility in Space Exploration Systems
Author(s)
Lafleur, Jarret M.
Saleh, Joseph H.
Saleh, Joseph H.
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Abstract
An increasingly common objective in the design of new space systems is the property of flexibility, or the capability
to easily modify a system after it has been fielded in response to a changing environment or changing requirements.
The body of research on this topic has been growing, but substantial work remains in developing metrics for
characterizing system flexibility and trading it against other metrics of interest. This paper samples from the history
of space exploration to glean heuristic insight into characteristics of flexibility in space exploration systems and their
potential application to future systems. Divided into categories of intra- and inter-mission modification, examples
include the Hubble Space Telescope, Mir space station, International Space Station, Apollo, Space Shuttle, and
robotic Venera program. In several cases, metrics are identified which show clear performance gains due to changes
after a system is fielded, and in all cases, environment or requirement changes that prompted system change are
identified. Also discussed are examples where flexibility proved critical to mission success. Modular design and
separation of functionality are recognized as likely flexibility-enabling characteristics. Also, briefly discussed are
examples of non-configurational (e.g. software and trajectory) flexibility in space exploration applications.
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Date Issued
2008-09
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Text
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Paper
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