STARSIM: an object-oriented simulation model of Space Shuttle ground processing activities

Abstract

STARSIM (Space Transportation Activities and Resources SIMulation) is an object-oriented, menu-driven, user-friendly, decision support system for simulating and managing Space-Shuttle ground processing activities. The purpose of STARSIM is to permit trade-off studies to be performed for any set of input parameters (e.g., determining the effects on launches per year of adding a bay in the orbiter processing facility). Output is displayed both numerically (for global statistical information, including life-cycle cost estimates) and in Gantt chart form (for visualizing when and where each orbiter vehicle experiences waiting, processing, blocking and maintenance periods, as well as the reasons for blocking).<>