Title:
GT-FAST: A Point Design Tool for Rapid Fractionated Spacecraft Sizing and Synthesis
GT-FAST: A Point Design Tool for Rapid Fractionated Spacecraft Sizing and Synthesis
Author(s)
Lafleur, Jarret M.
Saleh, Joseph H.
Saleh, Joseph H.
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Abstract
In July 2007, DARPA issued a Broad Agency Announcement for the development of
System F6, a flight demonstration of an architecture in which the functionality of a
traditional monolithic satellite is fulfilled with a fractionated cluster of free-flying, wirelessly
interconnected modules. Given the large number of possible architectural options, two
challenges facing systems analysis of F6 are (1) the ability to enumerate the many potential
candidate fractionated architectures and (2) the ability to analyze and quantify the cost and
benefits of each architecture. One element necessary in enabling a probabilistic, valuecentric
analysis of such fractionated architectures is a systematic method for sizing and
costing the many candidate architectures that arise. The Georgia Tech F6 Architecture
Synthesis Tool (GT-FAST) is a point design tool designed to fulfill this need by allowing
rapid, automated sizing and synthesis of candidate F6 architectures. This paper presents the
internal mechanics and some illustrative applications of GT-FAST. Discussed are the
manner in which GT-FAST fractionated designs are specified, including discrete and
continuous-variable inputs, as well as the methods, models, and assumptions used in
estimating elements of mass, power, and cost. Finally, the paper concludes with sample
outputs from GT-FAST for a notional fractionated architecture, an example of GT-FAST's
trade study capability, and a partial validation of GT-FAST against the Jason-2 and TIMED
satellites. The ease with which GT-FAST can be adapted to new fractionated spacecraft
applications is highlighted, and avenues for potential future expansion of GT-FAST are
discussed.
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Date Issued
2009-09
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Text
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Paper
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