Use of Optimization Methods in Small Satellite Systems Analysis

This paper describes the mathematical foundation and algorithmic development of a multidisciplinary design optimization technique to provide spacecraft performance optimization in a constrained environment. The method introduced, referred to here as the Early Small Satellite System Analysis Method (ESSAM), incorporates the use optimization algorithms to provide insight into the effect individual technologies have on performance and cost parameters even when the system is at a low definition of design. This high-fidelity knowledge brought to the early stages of the design process allow the spacecraft concept architecture, technology choices, and performance requirements to be adjusted to meet an overall estimated cost goal, thereby enabling spacecraft design to be completed in a more economical and timely manner. The method described in this paper is an extension of previous work done at the University of Colorado in multidisciplinary research modeling and optimization as related to spacecraft design.