This talk delves into the critical role of multi-criteria optimization (MCO) in space mission planning, focusing on balancing competing objectives such as cost, time, resource allocation, and mission success probabilities. By integrating digital technologies like the Metaverse and Digital Twins, mission planners can simulate and optimize complex mission scenarios, enhancing decision-making and risk management. This comprehensive approach improves mission reliability and optimizes the space mission supply chain, ensuring effective resource management for successful space exploration.
About the Speaker
Dr. Bartosz Sawik is a Professor at the Department of Business Informatics and Engineering Management, AGH University of Krakow, Poland and at the Department of Statistics, Computer Science and Mathematics, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain. He is a Visiting Researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, USA. He defends his PhD with honors in Operations Research at Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science and Electronics, AGH University. He has also finished Executive Course on Strategic Leadership in University Management at University of Helsinki, Finland, Executive Course on Master of Didactics in Excellent Teaching at Aarhus University, Denmark and Executive Course on Innovation and New Technology in Science at HAAS School of Business, University of California at Berkeley, USA. He has been an Invited Researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, Universidad Publica de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Alcoi, Spain and Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3) – Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain. He is an Expert in The National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR) in Poland and in The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP). He also has been a Representative of the National Center for Research and Development (NCBiR) on the supervisory board of the Bridge-Alpha investment funds. He has been a recipient of various individual awards including Polish Ministry of Science & Higher Education (MNISW) “Top 500 Innovators”. His current research interests include multi-criteria optimization, mixed integer programming, stochastic and combinatorial optimization, portfolio and risk optimization, green vehicle routing problems, cyber security optimization and decision support optimization systems for finance, logistics, healthcare, and supply chain.
Full Abstract
This talk delves into the critical role of multi-criteria optimization (MCO) in space mission planning, highlighting its applications in optimizing mission logistics, resources, and risk management strategies. As space missions grow in complexity, effective decision-making becomes increasingly crucial, and MCO has proven to be a powerful tool for addressing these challenges. By simultaneously evaluating multiple, often conflicting objectives, multi-criteria optimization offers a structured approach to making informed decisions under uncertainty, thereby supporting a wide range of stakeholders, from mission planners to astronauts. The primary aim of this research is to demonstrate the usefulness of multi-criteria optimization models in the context of space mission planning, particularly in optimizing the space mission supply chain. Space missions involve intricate coordination of numerous components, from launch schedules to resource management, crew health and safety, and mission execution timelines. Optimizing these complex interactions requires a nuanced understanding of trade-offs between competing objectives such as cost, time, resource allocation, and mission success probabilities. Mathematical programming, a core component of MCO, enables mission planners to mathematically model these competing objectives and identify the optimal balance. A key aspect of this research is the integration of digital technologies, such as the Metaverse and Digital Twin models, into the optimization process. The Metaverse—a virtual environment that can simulate real-world conditions—offers the ability to visualize and interact with the entire space mission ecosystem, from spacecraft design to supply chain management. By simulating space missions in a virtual space, stakeholders can better understand how different variables and decisions impact mission outcomes, facilitating improved decision-making before the actual mission takes place. The use of Digital Twins—virtual replicas of physical systems—further enhances mission planning by enabling real-time simulations and predictions of space mission conditions. Digital Twins allow for the creation of dynamic models of spacecraft, mission infrastructure, and environmental conditions. These models can simulate mission scenarios under varying conditions, providing insights into potential risks and uncertainties. For instance, planners can conduct “What if” analyses to explore the impact of different failure modes, system malfunctions, or unforeseen events, leading to better-preparedness and the development of contingency plans. Multi-criteria optimization is not limited to mission planning alone but extends to the optimization of the space mission supply chain. Space missions require an extensive supply chain network that involves the procurement, transportation, and delivery of various materials, including spacecraft parts, fuel, and scientific instruments. Ensuring the optimal management of this supply chain is essential to minimize costs, reduce delays, and guarantee that all resources are available when needed. By applying MCO, planners can optimize the supply chain by evaluating and selecting the best strategies based on multiple objectives such as cost, time, and risk. Furthermore, the integration of virtual reality (VR) and worst-case scenario modeling provides a robust platform for testing and refining mission plans before execution. Through these simulations, space agencies can prepare for a range of potential risks, including technical failures, communication breakdowns, or changes in mission parameters. This approach not only improves mission reliability but also helps design effective backup plans and strategies for mitigating risks during the mission. In conclusion, multi-criteria optimization, combined with digital technologies like Metaverse, Digital Twins, and virtual reality, offers a comprehensive and powerful toolkit for space mission planning. It enhances decision support, enables risk mitigation, and optimizes the space mission supply chain, all of which are essential for successful space exploration. As space missions become increasingly complex, the continued development and application of these optimization models will be key to ensuring mission success while managing uncertainties and minimizing risks.
