Multidisciplinary mission design optimization for space launch vehicles based on sequential design process

Abstract

In this study, a mission design process for space launch vehicles was established based on the systems engineering process and implemented to obtain the system baseline and the mission profiles. The process was sophisticatedly developed for users to make necessary decisions and to obtain design results rapidly. Database for the world's competitive rocket systems was built for the use of data mining. Seven disciplinary modules, such as the Weight Estimation, Mission Velocity, Staging, Propulsion, Configuration, Aerodynamics, and Trajectory, were developed for low fidelity analysis, and integrated as a system level process. In addition, several data mining techniques were adapted to the process as an alternative method of the requirements analysis, and utilized to provide the initial values of design parameters. Based on the established process, a design was optimized, and it was successfully converged. Through the multidisciplinary design optimization, it was possible to obtain the system baseline and the trajectory.