Model-Based Engineering Trade EvaluationTool Suite

As Space systems become more complex and missions’ objectives become more challenging, with combination of advanced instrumentation, robotic systems and manned spacecraft, there is a clear need to rely on effective tools for performing trade evaluations in a cost-effective way. Currently there are model-based approaches used to develop system design. There is not a process for how to use model-based technology to conduct trade evaluations nor a cohesive toolset that combines the multiple analysis methods used to support trade analysis. Our proposed concept is to provide a model-based process and tool-suite that will support end to end system design trade evaluations, design optimizations and reporting. The proposed tool suite will use model-based system engineering techniques and visuals with a mix of traditional reporting elements: tables, graphs, etc. Our proposed innovation will define a trade space modeling methodology, provide a trade evaluation tool that will run analyses and extract results in a trade study report (with visuals and charts for ease of comparison) and displays results in an interactive user interface for optimization support. Tietronix has extensive experience with model-based systems engineering and fault management engineering that we will leverage. Our concept will provide an environment to integrate multiple evaluation methods into one. The tool suite will reduce the amount of effort to perform a trade evaluation by: 1. minimizing the number of tools used to conduct analysis, 2. auto-generating trade study reports from the model, and 3. allowing optimization capability within the tool to support multiple runs.

NASA future plans for the Lunar Deep Space Gateway and Transport (DSG&T), the multiple modules and the planetary surface habitats, will be able to benefit from the envisioned tool suite. Additionally, potential Moon landers as well as multiple types of advanced robotics systems are potential users of our concept. Other NASA projects for the development of different subsystems such advanced life support systems, Crew Health and Performance system, advanced space suits can use the method and tools we will develop.

Any complex system in the defense community or in the commercial world will benefit from trade study methodology and supporting tools based on the MBSE approach. The potential targets include any type of Cyber Physical Systems such as UAV/UCAV in the DoD and advanced autonomous vehicles, and power plant systems In the commercial world.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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