Value Modeling for a Space Launch System

Abstract

Spacecraft and launch systems are examples of complex products which require a careful balance between competing concerns, such as performance, weight, and reliability, to serve their mission. This paper proposes that an economic analysis of all parties to spacecraft launch and operation can be used to construct a top-level value function on the launch system attribute space. A baseline value model was developed for a scenario involving a Lunar Helium-3 (He3) mining business venture, based on the potential for He3 as a source of fusion energy, and initial results show the model's viability. Continued effort on the model will determine the relationship between the attributes of a space launch system and overall value. These relationships will be captured on a response surface, identifying the direction of maximum value. This space launch system value model has implications for use in system trade studies, technology evaluation, and design optimization.