SPACESIM-A Discrete Event Simulation Model for Spaceport Operations

Description
Nevins Software, Inc. of Morris, IL developed the SPACESIM model under a SBIR contract with NASA Kennedy Space Center. SPACESIM is a computer simulation model that simulates detailed operations processes for spaceports worldwide, allowing spaceport decision makers to improve launch vehicle throughput and maximize resource utilization.

Value Back to NASA
SPACESIM is critical to the NASA Space Exploration Program, because it ensures that mission requirements for both schedule and budget can be met in optimal ways. Nevins Software made frequent visits to KSC to conduct systems engineering meetings with subject matter experts. NASA Kennedy Space Center subject matter expertise was provided by the Spaceport Engineering and Technology group. With SPACESIM, “what-if” analysis is conducted to illustrate optimal strategies for increasing launch vehicle flight rates and significantly reducing overall ground operations costs.

Commercial Benefits
SPACESIM is successful in assisting NASA to improve launch vehicle flight rates and significantly improve turnaround times. If the goal for NASA is to “reduce turnaround time from 4 months to 4 weeks”, SPACESIM helps NASA planners achieve this goal. SPACESIM product use will save NASA millions of dollars, since significant efficiency improvements directly result in lower operations costs. By improving flight rates and lowering cost per flight, NASA is better able to carry out the Exploration initiatives that have been identified by the President.

Partnership Contributions
Nevins Software, Inc. developed the SPACESIM model under a 6 month Phase I and 24 month Phase II SBIR contract with NASA Kennedy Space Center. Nevins Software, Inc. is a quality provider of custom software development and consulting services to businesses and government agencies. The company specializes in (1) the development of computer simulation software models and (2) the development of enterprise level information systems.

IPP Role
SPACESIM is currently being used by the spaceport engineering and technology division at Kennedy Space Center to perform the type of analysis described above. It has been tested against real-world Shuttle operations data to verify and validate that the baseline output data reflects real-world operations. Additionally, it allows for analysis of expendable launch vehicles and conceptual launch vehicles for future launch programs.

Other References, Sources
Mike Nevins is the President of Nevins Software, Inc. which was started in 1999. Prior to founding Nevins Software, he was a senior research scientist and program manager for Argonne National Laboratory in the Decision and Information Sciences Division. He has conducted research for the Military Traffic Management Command Transportation Engineering Agency, the U.S. Special Operations Command, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Air Force Logistics Command, and the U.S. Transportation Command. He has published more than 17 peer-reviewed technical journal articles and has been an invited speaker at simulation conferences worldwide, as well as a presenter at the Pentagon and the U.S. Congress.

IPP Contact
Jennifer Van Pelt
ASRC Aerospace Inc.
YA-C1
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
321/867-6374
Jennifer.vanpelt-1@ksc.nasa.gov

Industry Contact
Mike Nevins, President
Nevins Software, Inc.
P.O. Box 308
Morris, IL 60450
(815) 941-2406
mnevins@nevinssoftware.com