STEM

摘要

To assess the feasibility of proposed launch schedules for operational flights of the Space Shuttle, a simulation model has been developed for Shuttle turnaround flow processing operations. Taking into account queueing delays due to the limited capacity of ground processing facilities, the model estimates flight starting dates which are required to meet a given launch schedule with a specified level of confidence. The results of an extensive sensitivity analysis based on the model indicate that the currently projected flight schedules are too optimistic and that the long-range ground turnaround time for an orbiter will substantially exceed the current goal of 28 days.