EFFICIENT TRADE SPACE EXPLORATION: MOTIVATION AND METHODS FOR INITIAL FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENTS

The purpose of the NASA Pre-Phase A project life cycle phase is, “To produce a broad spectrum of ideas and alternatives for missions from which new programs/projects can be selected, and to determine the feasibility of [the] desired system, develop mission concepts, draft system-level requirements, assess performance, cost, and schedule feasibility; identify potential technology needs, and scope.” [ ] There are, however, limited resources (time, money, workforce) with which to conduct this trade space exploration. The question therefore is how to conduct this trade space exploration most efficiently, and produce a broad spectrum of ideas and alternatives for missions from which new programs/projects can be selected.