Application of spacecraft system modeling techniques for the assessment of technology insertion

Abstract

A spacecraft modeling technique has been developed which can be used for preliminary spacecraft design. This technique utilizes a combination of physical and empirical subsystem sizing algorithms, databases of off-the-shelf components and emerging technologies, orbital dynamics, environmental modeling, and launch vehicle performance characteristics. In addition to concept definition, this modeling technique provides the capability of assessing the system-level impact of inserting new technologies into a spacecraft design. The modeling technique and technology insertion assessment has been used for many military programs and has also been used to assess many innovative emerging technologies, such as micro-devices, thin film solar cells, electric propulsion, etc. This paper presents an overview of the modeling technique, and some of the results of the technology insertion assessment.