A decision model for planetary missionsMany techniques developed for the solution of problems in economics and operations research are directly applicable to problems involving engineering trade-offs. This paper investigates the use of utility theory for decision making in planetary exploration space missions. A decision model is derived that accounts for the objectives of the mission - science - the cost of flying the mission and the risk of mission failure. A simulation methodology for obtaining the probability distribution of science value and costs as a function spacecraft and mission design is presented and an example application of the decision methodology is given for various potential alternatives in a comet Encke mission.
Document ID
19760060134
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hazelrigg, G. A., Jr. (ECON, Inc. Princeton, N.J., United States)
Brigadier, W. L. (U.S. Army Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1976
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 76-805
Meeting Information
Meeting: Astrodynamics Conference
Location: San Diego, CA
Start Date: August 18, 1976
End Date: August 20, 1976
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and American Astronautical Society