to create a complete picture of the current state of operations and this was compared against parametric demand models for a lunar base. In a wider sense our model helped establish a benchmark model for efficient operation of a multinational, multi-organizational research base in a remote environment. MAKING AN IMPACT
NASA has adopted SpaceNet as a major component of its Integrated Modeling & Simulation infrastructure in support of a strategic analysis capability in the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. Project Constellation, a major NASA program component that uses this capability, is charged with designing and procuring the next generation of manned spacecraft that will return mankind to the Moon and enable our voyages to Mars and beyond. Research in interplanetary supply chain management and exploration technologies offers our Aero-Astro faculty, students, and research staff a unique opportunity to take a systems approach in designing sustainable exploration elements and operations. This requires a combination of theoretical modeling, simulation, benchmarking against data from NASA’s past and current operations, dedicated field research and cooperation with our partners at Draper, NASA, JPL and industrial companies like Payload Systems Inc. and United Space Alliance LLC. Our students embrace this opportunity. We have combined these research activities with our educational efforts and systems engineering courses at both the graduate (Subject 16.89) and undergraduate levels (Subject 16.83). MIT Aero-Astro is continuing to lead in this new area by developing unique methods and tools for space systems design and logistics, while making a real impact on decisions and technologies that will determine mankind’s future in space. More information about the project is available at: http://www.marsonearth.org Olivier L. de Weck is an Assistant Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems. He has more than 15 years of military, commercial, and academic experience working on a variety of systems such as the Northrop F-5, F/ A-18, Next Generation Space Telescope, Space Interferometry Mission, and various commercial communications satellites. His research focuses on strategic aspects of systems engineering and multidisciplinary design optimization. His Web site is http://deweck.mit.edu, and he may be reached at deweck@mit.edu.
Interplanetary Transportation
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