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ELLA - Exploration Launch & Landing Analysis

A Discrete Event Simulation

April 1, 2007

The Project ¦ Contact

This project develops a discrete event simulation of the Constellation program Orion Ares I Ground Operations Element areas of responsibility. This includes all processing and flight and ground systems element integration post "DD250", that is post delivery of individual flight hardware elements to the Launch and Landing KSC operation.

Above: Portion of ELLA Input Screen

Above: Sample ELLA Output Graph

The Project:

• ELLA is a discrete event simulation tool designed to provide valuable but easy to use analysis capability for what-if operations scenarios for the Constellation program at KSC
• Orion Ares I simulation is complete
  • Ares V and Integrated Ops planned for FY 08
• ELLA requires 3 to 4 software components:
  • First, an Arena Discrete Event Simulation file, .doe format.
  • Second, the Rockwell Arena simulation software to create or program the prior file.
  • Third, an easy to use generic graphical user interface, "Ariana" for Arena, created by Productivity Apex Inc. and avilable for purchase to the public.
  • Fourth, various MS Excel files (optional) useful for post-run processing of results.

For further information on Ariana for Arena Contact Productivity Apex, Inc.

The Team:

• NASA Kennedy Space Center
  • Nic Cummings, KSC Constellation Ground Operation Element, Integration Office, Project Lead & Sponsor
  • Martin Steele Ph.D. NASA KSC Discrete Event Simulation Lead
  • Edgar Zapata, COTR, Testing & Analysis

• Productivity Apex, Inc.
  • Dr. Mansooreh Mollaghasemi, Chairman and CEO
  • Dayana Cope, Project lead
  • Nathan Rychlik, GUI Development and Simulation Support
  • Assem Kaylani, Ariana Development Support
  • Manuel Mora, Simulation Support

Milestones:

• ELLA first phase completed in February 2007
  • Verified via extensive use testing
• Work through June 1, 2007 will:
  • Develop additional features
  • Migrate tool into usage for analysis
    • Develop scenarios, combinations of all the variables, graphical reports
    • Develop initial insight into areas for further focus, within further simulation analysis, or by communication to the customer for further activity emphasis

Contacts, Further Information, Distribution

• For further information on this project contact Martin Steele Ph.D. of NASA KSC at martin.j.steele@nasa.gov
• For further information on this product contact Mike Calinan of Productivity Apex Inc. at mcalinan@productivityapex.com

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Also see:

• Other Simulations
• Productivity Apex Inc.
• A Space Shuttle Budget Program Perspective and KSC Launch and Landing (.ppt file)
• Stepping-Stones to the Future of Space Exploration, A Workshop Report, Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS, Washington, D.C. Download (.pdf file). (re. Modeling & Simulation)

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Website Contact: Edgar Zapata, NASA Kennedy Space Center