A Methodology for the Inclusion of Uncertainty in Space Logistics Campaign Planning and Optimization
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Downs, Chloe
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Abstract
Human space flight exploration is moving towards long-duration, sustainable campaigns that are much more complex than previous missions. Modern campaigns consist of multiple launches, in-space rendezvous, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and other factors that require more support than past missions and thus complicate campaign-level planning. Therefore, there is a desire to automate campaign planning to allow designers to examine more potential options faster and produce better-informed results for decision makers. Space flight logistics planning is a field that deals with planning these long-duration campaigns. Several methods of performing planning tasks for these types of campaigns exist, however, the existing literature does not sufficiently handle uncertainty considerations and calculations in this planning. The goal of this work is to develop a new method of space flight logistics planning that uses methods of optimization under uncertainty to better account for these uncertainties and allow more informed decision making. To achieve this goal, a taxonomy is created to classify the types of uncertainties that affect campaigns. This allows for identification of the major sources of uncertainty that affect campaigns as well as their impacts and potential mitigation techniques. From this, a methodology is developed which incorporates elements of probabilistic modeling as well as scenario-based uncertainty. This methodology will help designers examine more potential campaign options in detail earlier in the planning process, producing campaigns that are more robust to the impacts of uncertainties.
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Date
2023-05-19
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Text
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Dissertation