A strategy for autogeneration of space shuttle ground processing simulation models for project makespan estimation

Space shuttle processing is a complicated and highly variable project. The planning and scheduling problem, categorized as a resource constrained -stochastic project scheduling problem (RC-SPSP), has a great deal of variability in the orbiter processing facility (OPF) process flow from one flight to the next. Simulation modeling is a useful tool in estimation of the makespan of the overall process. However, simulation requires a model to be developed, which itself is a labor and time consuming effort. With such a dynamic process, often the model would potentially be out of synchronization with the actual process, limiting the applicability of the simulation answers in solving the actual estimation problem. Integration of TEAMS model enabling software with our existing schedule program software is the basis of our solution. This paper explains the approach used to develop an auto-generated simulation model from planning and schedule efforts and available data.