Design of Large Systems for Packaging and Launch on Multiple, Heterogeneous Vehicles

An algorithm to aid designers and planners of large integrated space systems requiring on-orbit assembly has been prototyped. This methodology is being implemented in an advanced knowledge-based expert system intended for conceptual design studies. Intended to work interactively with a commercial three-dimensional computer-aided design solid modeler, it studies the feasibility of packing multiple space system hardware elements into a given launch vehicle shroud. Previous study results have indicated that to minimize assembly complexity, while avoiding potentially unreliable deployments, the designers would have to either design systems that can be launched in a single large vehicle, or use multiple smaller vehicles and risk manifesting relatively inefficient launches (e.g. a low mass density truss with fluid and electrical systems installed). This algorithm is one of a suite of tools being developed to aid the conceptual design engineer in identifying and quantifying space vehicle design alternatives, and the corresponding launch vehicles and shrouds that minimize overall cost and mission risk from a launch and flight assembly operations perspective.