Space Logistics Exploration Campaign Scenario Specification for SpaceNet

Space logistics analysis is a critical systems engineering function to ensure feasibility of space exploration campaigns starting from early design concepts and maturing to more detailed operational plans. SpaceNet is an existing simulation tool that evaluates propulsive feasibility based on impulsive maneuvers required to traverse the exploration network and logistical feasibility by comparing resource demands to sustain mission operations to the available mass and volume afforded by the exploration architecture. A SpaceNet scenario contains information about the exploration network, campaign objects (resources, demand models, and elements), and mission events that comprise a human space exploration campaign. Recent development created a SpaceNet scenario specification using JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) Schema, a declarative language that annotates and validates JSON documents, expanding options for scenario construction, sensitivity analysis and trade studies, and distributed evaluation across diverse computing platforms. A supporting open-source Python language library provides scenario object classes for scripting and automation. This paper provides a technical description of the updated SpaceNet scenario specification. An example application case models a Lunar sortie mission based on the Artemis 3 mission using SpaceNet. The exploration mission considers a crew of four who rendezvous with the human landing system in a near rectilinear halo orbit about Earth-Moon L2. Two crew members enter the lander, transfer to a low Lunar orbit, and descend to the Lunar South Pole for a seven-day surface exploration. After collecting Lunar samples, they ascend to low Lunar orbit, transfer to the halo orbit, rendezvous with the crew and service module, and return to Earth. Results verify propulsive feasibility of a baseline mission concept without considering resource demands, showing positive propellant margins in the launch vehicle, in-space stage, landing system, and service module.