Simulating Shuttle and derivative vehicle processing at KSC

A technique for modeling dynamic launch-site environments is described with specific references to simulations of Space-Shuttle and derivative processing. The stochastic model is developed in two object-oriented languages in which the operations process is defined with an indexed collection of random variables. The expandable modeling system employs object-oriented inheritance techniques and models facilities and vehicles as templates. Applications of the system are described for simulating mixed-fleet processing and for analyzing such variables as cost, risk, and capacity. The simulation tool can also be utilized as an expert system to study long-range scheduling or resource allocation and thereby assess the life-cycle costs of space programs. Specific detailed applications are given for the Space Shuttle and derivatives such as the shuttle-C and -Z which demonstrate the modeling of processing flows.