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Space Transportation Systems Operations Simulations
Numerous space transportation systems operations analysis methods and simulations have evolved through continuous work in this field of operations research over many years. These include ShuttleOps, GEM-FLO, SpaceSim, E2O Supply Chain Sim and ELLA.
The term "simulation" is used here in the sense of an abstraction containing predictive mathematical formulas, created so as to have a framework for analysis in a current as well as future context. Because these simulations are descriptive of the nature of a process and they "run" or simulate time running, a spaceship moves from process A in facility X to process B in facility Y, the term "simulation" is used here as distinct from "model". Also, any simulation development requires experience and "data" to give the simulation developer, or user and analyst, the right insight to construct a useful simulation and to use it. Since data exists and can be used for insight independent of any simulation, data also represents an area of operations research distinct from simulations. Using a simulation leads to analysis, again an area unto itself distinct from creating simulations.
The goal of the work presented here under "simulations" is to:
Understand the fundamental nature of systems processes for transporting humans to low earth orbit and beyond.
Understand the characteristics of these systems processes in relation to the goal of furthering routine, affordable, access to space for all.
Analytical discrete event simulation needs evolve. The right simulation for the right task. The lessons and techniques of one will feed valuable experience into constructing the next. For example, the simulations presented here have evolved as follows:
< Click any green item to go to information on that tool >
Research and development continues in this field of space transportation systems operations analysis, with the current work on ELLA, being used for analysis in the NASA Exploration program.
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Also see:
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Website Contact: Edgar Zapata, NASA Kennedy Space Center