Cargo transfer and return vehicle and personnel launch system launch processing model

Abstract

Simulation software was designed to model a cargo transfer and return vehicle (CTRV) and personnel launch system (PLS) mixed fleet launch processing system. The purpose of the CTRV and the PLS is to provide all transportation services, separating cargo and crew, to International Space Station Alpha after a Space Shuttle program phase out period. The results presented in this report provide an expected bracket for important CTRV and PLS launch processing statistics during a steady-state period. Simulation experiments indicate that modifying current Space Shuttle facilities and resources will be sufficient to support the CTRV and PLS concept. The simulation experiments show that mobile launch tower (MLT) utilization is expected to be very high, which could lead to a launch processing choke point should an MLT become unavailable for some reason. NASA may want to consider building another MLT to provide CTRV and PLS launch processing margin. Additionally the simulation experiment results indicate that Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) utilization is expected to be high. NASA may want to consider providing capability for a third CTRV/PLS launch vehicle integration cell. Further study and analysis of MLT and VAB utilization are recommended. This is needed to determine whether or not three MLTs and two VAB launch vehicle integration cells are sufficient to support the CTRV and PLS launch processing concept.