The modeling and evaluation of interplanetary manned missions using system architecting techniques

The manned exploration of the rocky bodies of the solar system has long been one of the primary, if unstated, goals of the aerospace industry. In order to facilitate the design and decision process associated with the development of the systems necessary for such complex operations, an understanding of the system on the highest level must be established. This paper describes the development of a systems architecture-level model used to evaluate the in-space transportation portion of manned exploration missions to other rocky bodies in the solar system. The results of this analysis, including the “best” architectures given the metrics employed as well as technology decision impacts, will also be discussed. The MATLAB-based model utilizes the concepts of decision formulation, set partitioning problems, and technology option analysis. The set of architectures is decoupled from the launch vehicle architecture as well as destination exploration operations, allowing for an iso-performance analysis with science and exploration value while remaining independent of the launch vehicle limitations.