The Implementation of Maximum Likelihood Estimation in Space Launch System Vehicle Design
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Thompson, S. B.↗
Engineering topics
Thompson, S. B.
Publications and source records attributed to Thompson, S. B..
The Implementation of Maximum Likelihood Estimation in Space Launch System Vehicle Design
As NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) approaches first launch, the design has matured to a point where the manufacturing uncertainty has decreased now that many of the components of the launch vehicle have been manufactured and the flight engines have been successfully tested. Prior to this point, a method was required to qualify and capture the impact of the differences between simulation and reality, as well as any uncertainties in the SLS design. Two primary categories of uncertainty arise during the launch vehicle design process. The first represents flight-day uncertainties including dispersions due to winds and temperatures. These are typically examined by performing a Monte Carlo on 6 Degree of Freedom (6-DOF) simulations. The second category of uncertainties represents any manufacturing variations that are present at the individual component level of the launch vehicle design. These variations are constructed using statistical masses and tend to become better understood and refined as the design cycle matures, finally resulting in the launch vehicle as constructed and tested.
Stein, W. B.↗
The Implementation of Maximum Likelihood Estimation in Space Launch System Vehicle Design
The Space Launch System uses a Maximum Likelihood Estimation process in conjunction with Design of Experiments to develop statistically representative vehicles for the Block 1 configuration. These vehicles are then used to estimate maximum load conditions for simulating stressing cases in other simulations. This paper discusses the modeling process and how SLS captures manufacturing uncertainty in the launch vehicle design. It also provides an overview of the differences between Block 1 statistical representations. This paper also discusses proper grid choice as well as which uncertainties drive the vehicle design.
Stein, W. B.↗
NASA Exploration Mission 2 Mission Design
Exploration Mission 2 (EM-2) will be NASA’s first manned flight on the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion Spacecraft. The mission has been changed from an SLS Block 1B configuration to Block 1. This change has necessitated a reexamination of the flight profile to determine what changes must be made in order to accommodate the reduced launch vehicle performance on the Block 1. Launch availability and orbital debris risk will be traded to find the best flight profile for both SLS and Orion.
Craig, A. S.↗