launch-vehicle-selection-and-trade-analysis

The purpose of this project is to introduce users to mission trade studies that program managers complete at NASA and commercial space companies. Since the challenge was launch based, we have users select basic program variables, like satellite size and mission targets, but the focus is on the launch vehicle selection, Users are shown relevant parameters, like delta-v to get to the target and the launch vehicle's payload capacity to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). The user's choices are evaluated according to typical program objectives: cost, time, and value of science. This app exposes users to the challenges of planning spacecraft missions, particularly as it relates to the launch vehicle. It shows users that optimization of cost, time and science objectives is nearly impossible - one has to take precedence. High-level planning of spacecraft missions is a challenge even for experienced aerospace engineers. With our app, users can have a taste of this challenge and develop their own ideas about how to best achieve science objectives.

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