Advanced Approach to Concept and Design Studies for Space Missions

Abstract

Recent automated and advanced techniques developed at JPL have createda streamlined and fast-track approach to initial mission conceptualizationand system architecture design, answering the need for rapid turnaround oftrade studies for potential proposers, as well as mission and instrumentstudy groups. JPL has assembled a team of multidisciplinary experts withcorporate knowledge of space mission and instrument development. Theadvanced Concept Design Team, known as Team X, provides interactive designtrades including cost as a design parameter, and advanced visualizationfor pre-Phase A mission feasibility studies. The proposer and Team Xcollaborate closely in developing scenarios, and Team X responds with adetailed integrated mission/instrument design and development plan within 1week. Iteration of the plan is on a similar rapid turnaround basis.JPL has experience planning more than 250 missions, including pointed andsurvey astrophysics missions such as GALEX, SIM, IRAS, SIRTF, and WIRE.