Madeline Bowne
(Advisor: Prof. Dimitri Mavris)

will propose a doctoral thesis entitled,

Flexible Space Junk Allocation & Waste Abatement (SPACEJAWA): Flexibility Framework to Screen Strategies & Options for Sustainable On-Orbit Servicing Infrastructures in LEO

On

Wednesday, April 24th at 10:00 a.m.

in the
Collaborative Visualization Environment (CoVE)

Weber Space Science and Technology Building (SST II)
and

Virtually (Teams)

Abstract
The space industry is consistently at the forefront of technology, inspiring generations and improving human knowledge. The very industry that puts people on the moon and gazes into the depths of space could also be one of first industries to embrace circular economies. Such a system would not only reduce the atmospheric pollution associated with single-use satellites, but also expand our capacity for future space exploration as we improve our resource utilization in a resource-starved environment. Space debris is a known problem and atmospheric pollution is a potential problem; improving the case for On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) could mitigate both. This thesis considers a three-pronged approach for improving OOS for LEO: improving CONOPs, implementing flexible strategies, and adapting policies to stimulate demand. Underscoring the value of flexibility, the opportunity in uncertainty, and the interactions between customers and service-providers, this thesis will screen Real Options that promote long-term sustainability of our activities above Earth’s atmosphere.

The flexibility framework screening tool will evaluate the value of flexible designs and strategies for on-orbit servicing infrastructures in LEO from the servicer perspective. This framework will maximize for servicer profits, incorporate multiple sources of uncertainty, capture the relationship between customer and servicer, and simulate the effect of possible future policies. The framework uses a simulation methodology with Monte Carlo scenarios, decision rules, and rolling horizons. Over each horizon, the framework implements Time-Expanded, Generalized Multi-Commodity Network Flow (TE-GMCNF) with Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) to optimize OOS operations. The thesis introduces collection-as-a-service as a novel concept, pairs multi-level satellite sparing strategies with OOS CONOPs, and examines the effect that orbital congestion policies could have on demand for OOS in LEO.

Committee

·         Prof. Dimitri Mavris – School of Aerospace Engineering (advisor)

·         Prof. Mariel Borowitz – Sam Nunn School of International Affairs

·         Dr. Olivia Fischer  – School of Aerospace Engineering

·         Prof. Koki Ho  – School of Aerospace Engineering

·         Dr. Mark Wharton – CTO of the Georgia Tech Research Institute