Quantifying technology infusion and policy impact on low earth orbit communication satellite constellations

Abstract

Technology infusion and policy implementation bring impacts to the trade space of complex engineering systems. This work describes in detail the frameworks for quantitative analyses on these impacts, demonstrates their use on the sample system, and presents the analysis results. The low earth orbit (LEO) communication satellite constellation system serves as the platform for carrying out the system trade space analysis. The system is reproduced in computer environment in the form of a multiple-input-output MATLAB model. The model contains multiple modules that incorporate the physics, economy, and policies of the real-world system. The inputs to the model are system design variables and the outputs are system performance, capacity, and cost. The Pareto optimal solution set of the baseline trade space is generated by the model using a full-factorial run that covers the entire design space. To simulate technology infusion, technical and cost attributes of four new technologies are quantified and infused into the system model. The infusion of technologies and combinations of technologies into the system is simulated. Policy implementation is simulated by changing the policy constraints in the model. The technology-infused trade space and policy-implemented trade space have new sets of Pareto optimal solutions. By comparing these solution sets with the baseline optimal solution set in the objective space, we can quantify the impact of technology infusion and policy impact. In conclusion, the methodologies of quantifying the impact of technology infusion and policy implementation on complex engineering systems is repeatable and has been tested against real-world systems.

(cont.) The information generated demonstrates their usefulness to technology selection and policy decision-making processes.