Exploration of a Solar System Mobility Network via a System-of-Systems Engineering Framework

Abstract

The development and application of a system-of-systems engineering framework for architecting of a future space exploration and infr astructure concept of operations, Solar System Mobility Network, is presented in this paper. The framework and application problem are motivated by the unique challenges involved in synthesizing successful and enduring architectures for space exploration. Speci fically, the Solar System Mobility Network operational concept represents a distributed set of capabilities involving human and robotic transportation and infrastructure asset s, their organization, interoperability and evolution; i.e., a system-of-systems. Results from architectural trade studies performed show how system-of-systems simulation and analysis can provide novel decision support for architecting in space exploration. While the result s indicate a potentially significant payoff for establishing a distributed solar system infrast ructure over the long term, the up-front investment for this concept may significantly inhib it probability of its pursuit.