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Analysis of In-Space Assembly of Modular SystemsEarly system-level life cycle assessments facilitate cost effective optimization of system architectures to enable implementation of both modularity and in-space assembly, two key Exploration Systems Research & Technology (ESR&T) Strategic Challenges. Experiences with the International Space Station (ISS) demonstrate that the absence of this rigorous analysis can result in increased cost and operational risk. An effort is underway, called Analysis of In-Space Assembly of Modular Systems, to produce an innovative analytical methodology, including an evolved analysis toolset and proven processes in a collaborative engineering environment, to support the design and evaluation of proposed concepts. The unique aspect of this work is that it will produce the toolset, techniques and initial products to analyze and compare the detailed, life cycle costs and performance of different implementations of modularity for in-space assembly. A multi-Center team consisting of experienced personnel from the Langley Research Center, Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, and the Goddard Space Flight Center has been formed to bring their resources and experience to this development. At the end of this 30-month effort, the toolset will be ready to support the Exploration Program with an integrated assessment strategy that embodies all life-cycle aspects of the mission from design and manufacturing through operations to enable early and timely selection of an optimum solution among many competing alternatives. Already there are many different designs for crewed missions to the Moon that present competing views of modularity requiring some in-space assembly. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the approach for scoring competing designs.
Document ID
20050060974
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Moses, Robert W.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
VanLaak, James
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Johnson, Spencer L.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Chytka, Trina M.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Reeves, John D.
(National Inst. of Aerospace Hampton, VA, United States)
Todd, B. Keith
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Moe, Rud V.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Stambolian, Damon B.
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 18, 2005
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: 1st Space Exploration Conference: Continuing the Voyage of Discovery
Location: Orlando, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: January 30, 2005
End Date: February 1, 2005
Funding Number(s)
OTHER: 23-090-20-65
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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