AE 8803_KHO: Logistical Planning Methods and Their Application in Space Mission Design (Spring 2024)
Course Description: This course introduces the concepts related to logistical planning methods and their applications in space mission design. The covered methods include: (1) logistics optimization methods, such as general linear programming (LP), integer programming (LP), mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), large-scale optimization techniques (e.g., Lagrangian methods, column generation, dynamic programming), and nonlinear programming (NLP), with applications in the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP), the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP), and the Facility Location Problem (FLP), among others; and (2) logistics modeling methods, such as queueing theory and inventory management. The covered applications include: (1) space exploration campaign; (2) in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM); and (3) satellite constellations management.
Select Final Project Ideas: This course contained a student final project, and the students came up with a list of very exciting space logistics problems in their projects. The following show a subset of their selected topics (with permission of the students):
Surface Rover Routing Optimization
- Lunar and Mars Rover Base Location Problem with Generalized Vechicle Routing Problem (VRP)
- Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) Applied to Mars and Moon Rover Mission Planning
In-Space Routing and Logistics Network Optimization
- Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) and Multiple Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) in LEO for On-Orbit Servicing
- Active Debris Removal and ISAM in LEO Enabled Through the Use of Fully Reusable Launch Vehicles
- Optimizing Orbital Fuel Depot/Facility Locations for a Fleet of Satellties or Commercial Spate Stations with Facility Location Problem (FLP) and Location Routing Problem (LRP)
- Optimization Approach to the Artemis Lunar Base Camp Resupply and Payload Delivery
- Interplanetary Logistics Modeling Applied to Asteroid Mining
- Deployable Landing Pads and Lunar Landing Networks
Exploration Mission Planning
- Lunar Gateway Deployment Analysis for Artemis
- Optimization of Resource Allocation to Maximize Growth of a Lunar Base
- Mission Optimization for Investigating Life Potential on Europa
- LEO Space Station Essential Resource Resupply Optimization
- Optimizing Spacecraft Payload Assignments through Allocation Algorithms
- Planning for Component Failure in a Worst-Case Scenario for a Crewed Space Mission
On-Orbit Servicing System Performance Analysis
- Economic Impact Analysis and Simulation of Queues on Geosynchronous Satellite Servicing Systems
- Concept Development and Analysis of Cislunar ISAM Logistics Infrastructure
- On-Orbit Refueling for ASAT (Anti-Satellite Weaponry) That Requires a Continuous Operational Readiness
- Distributed Servicer Network for Tactically Responsive On-Orbit Transportation
Earth-Orbiting/Cislunar Satellite Constellation Design
- Optimal Satellite Constellation Design for Persistent Area Coverage Using Integer Linear Programming (MILP) Techniques
- Optimization of Satellite Constellation System for Lunar Surface Coverage
- The Effect of Size of a Military Constellation on Cost of War using Monte Carlo Simulation
- Stage deployment strategy for Cislunar Space Domain Awareness constellations
- Predictive Sensor Tasking of a Satellite Constellation in Cislunar Space via Mathematical Programming
- Analysis and Design of Mega-Consteallation Spare Management Policy
Other Insteresting Applications
- Space Based Solar Power and Laser Power Transmission Optimization
- Efficiency in Space Exploration: Analyzing Mass Savings with Centrifugal Force Launch Systems