Title:
Simplifying Complex Problems with Systems Engineering Tools:
a Lunar Architecture Analysis Case Study
Simplifying Complex Problems with Systems Engineering Tools:
a Lunar Architecture Analysis Case Study
Author(s)
Percy, Thomas K.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Collections
Supplementary to
Permanent Link
Abstract
The analysis of lunar mission architectures is a complex problem dealing
with many different propulsive elements and payloads moving through a
series of locations to deliver humans and cargo to the moon. While the
general systems engineering process is largely tied to the development of
an end product, many of the tools commonly employed by systems
engineers can be used to simplify these complex and abstract mission
analyses. These tools can help the analyst gain a better overall
understanding of the problem, its trends and possible solutions by better
defining element interactions and functions. Sensitivity studies that
employ trade tree analysis can give the engineer insight into performance
trends and the benefits and penalties associated with certain design
decisions. Finally, these tools can be implemented to help define the
structure of simple, zero-level, Excel-based analysis tools that can assess
broad, expansive trade spaces allowing mission planners to begin to
formulate informed perceptions of mission performance trends. In this
paper, the application of these system engineering tools and
methodologies to the analysis of lunar mission architectures is discussed
as well as some of the results of those analyses.
Sponsor
AIAA Space Systems Technical Committee ; AIAA Space Transportation Systems Technical Committee ; Space Technology Advanced Research Center
Date Issued
2005-11-10
Extent
191343 bytes
103238 bytes
191343 bytes
103238 bytes
103238 bytes
191343 bytes
103238 bytes
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Presentation