Model-Based Conceptual Design Optimization Methods: Disaggregated Weather System Follow-On
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2015
Abstract
The future of space-based defense weather systems is uncertain due to the cancellation of the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System and Defense Weather Satellite System programs. The U.S. Department of Defense Weather Satellite Follow-On program has been identified as the follow-on program and a potential pathfinder for the concept of disaggregation. The concept of disaggregation has the potential to reduce costs and increase system resiliency. However, current research literature does not address a systematic method for performing conceptual trades between large multifunction and small functionally cohesive spacecraft. A multifunction/multiorbit disaggregated space-system optimization methodology is proposed and applied to the weather system follow-on conceptual architecture problem. Real-coded mixed-integer optimization techniques are implemented to identify, assess, and compare alternative space-based weather system conceptual architectures. The resulting cost and performance figures of merit are analyzed to assess disaggregated space-based weather constellation cost effectiveness. The potential estimated life-cycle cost savings of approximately 3 billion U.S. dollars are modeled for a disaggregated weather system follow-on program versus a Defense Weather Satellite System analogous architecture. The resulting analysis is intended to demonstrate the applicability of the disaggregated integral system concept optimization methodology to assess multifunction, multiorbit disaggregation problems.
DOI
Source Publication
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets (ISSN 0022-4650)
Recommended Citation
Thompson, R. E., Colombi, J. M., Black, J. T., & Ayres, B. J. (2015). Model-Based Conceptual Design Optimization Methods: Disaggregated Weather System Follow-On. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 52(4), 1021–1037. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A33135
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Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets is published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)