System of Systems Modeling and Analysis

10Human Space Exploration System of Systems

In this chapter, we introduce an example of modeling and analysis of the architecture of human space exploration, in particular focusing on Earth-to-Mars missions. As mentioned in Chapters 1 and 2, SoSs pose a challenge because their features often meet with a lack of appropriate approaches and methodologies. In particular, Systems Engineering frequently fails to keep into account aspects of long-term operational life, which also entails a larger search space, with additional uncertainty on stakeholders’ needs, policies, and economics.

Human space exploration is an interesting and useful example of SoS for what concerns these aspects. The space community needs new ways to achieve holistic decision-making, ...