Space Logistics and Mission Design: Their Grand Challenges and Future

Abstract: As space missions become increasingly complex, we often need multiple spacecraft coordinated to achieve an overarching objective. This trend creates various new challenging problems in the mission design process for emerging applications such as human lunar/Mars exploration campaigns, in-space satellite servicing/assembly/manufacturing, and mega-scale satellite constellations.  In response to those challenges, advanced modeling and optimization techniques have been developed, many of which are inspired by how complex terrestrial logistics challenges have been handled. In this talk, we will discuss the recent progress in logistics-inspired modeling and optimization for space mission design. We will demonstrate several examples of how mathematical modeling and optimization can contribute to complex space applications that involve multiple missions, multiple vehicles, and reusable infrastructure elements. Furthermore, we will discuss the vision of the future space logistics ecosystem integrating multiple research disciplines including astrodynamics, robotics, advanced manufacturing, propulsion, industrial engineering, and operations research, among others.