The Space Superhighway: Systems Analysis of an In-Space Logistics Network

Abstract

The number of assets in cislunar space is anticipated to dramatically increase in the coming decades. Many of these newer spacecraft are being designed to take advantage of capabilities currently in development like In-Space Servicing Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM). Additionally, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to develop and maintain a human-lunar presence that will then serve as a steppingstone for human missions to Mars. With continued growth in space operations, the combined demand for payload and propellant delivery in cislunar space could exceed 1,000 t annually within the next decade. In order to meet this projected demand, there is national interest in developing an ISAM-enabled logistics network, commonly referred to as the "Space Superhighway". This study explored several architecture and vehicle-level trade studies in order to better understand what in-space logistics networks may be feasible. The network considered in this study consisted of commercial launch vehicles, resupply tankers, orbital depots, and in-space tugs. This work specifically analyzes high-level trades such as: launch and in-space vehicle propulsion systems, vehicle size, staging orbit, vehicle reuse, and propellant storage temperature. Each of the trades are analyzed across several destination orbits such as Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO). Propellants and other cargo such as crew logistics, spares, smallsats, and satellite piece parts were considered.