Matrix Methods for Optimal Manifesting of Multinode Space Exploration Systems

Abstract

This paper presents matrix-based methods for determining optimal cargo manifests for space exploration. An exploration system is defined as a sequence of in-space and on-surface transports between multiple nodes coupled with demands for resources. The goal is to maximize value and robustness of exploration while satisfying logistical demands and physical constraints at all times. To reduce problem complexity, demands are abstracted to a single class of resources and one metric (e.g. mass or volume) governs capacity limits.

Extension of Equivalent System Mass for Human Exploration Missions on Mars

“…The scenario expansion in Figure shows that inventory can be transported in different segments using different crafts which change the value of L eq . This is supported by non-ESM logistics methods 41 . We argue that the use of predeployment missions for transporting cargo nullifies the assumption.…”

“…as the sum of ESM for segments in a mission set M. Essentially, we have established a graph where the locations represent nodes and the segments represent arcs which matches previous formulations of mission logistics 41 , although our set of location nodes is reduced for simplicity and does not include specific Lagrange Points 37 . The generalization enables accounting of mission segment specific terms such as location factor L eq and equivalency factors (M eq , V eq , P eq , C eq , T eq ).…”

“…Previous efforts to quantify the cost in problems of space logistics rely on a metric based solely on the Initial Mass to Low Earth Orbit (IMLEO) 37 for constant commodity supply and demand 38 . In such logistics frameworks like SpaceNet [39][40][41] and HabNet 42 , cost is kept simple to allow for the analysis of complex mission architectures with multiple mission segments. Comparatively, ESM has been most fully developed for ECLSS where the costs of capital equipment, power, operations, transport and other things have been captured on a common unit scale of mass.…”

“…As plans for human exploration continue to be made in anticipation of the return to the moon 43,44 and onto Mars 45 , an added emphasis will be required on optimization of mission architecture 41 . As of now, the current instance of the ESM framework does not lend itself for use as an objective function in an optimization over a mission.…”

Integrated planning of on-orbit events and transport visits forlong-term space station operation

“…目前关于总体层规划的研究主要涉及三类: 事 件总体规划, 物资补给总量规划和飞船发射序列规 划. Zhang 等 [5] 分析研究了空间站长期运营事件总体 分配规划方法. 文献 [6,7,8]研究了空间站运营物资 补给规划模型与方法. Ho 等 [9,10] 提出了一种考虑事件 执行时间与物资补给耦合关系的一体化规划方法.…”