Optimization of Logistics Strategies for Long-Duration Space-Station Operation

In this study, the optimization of logistics strategies for long-duration space-station operations is investigated; both the visit times and payload manifests of a series of coordinated flights of cargo vehicles are considered at the same time. An optimization model is established that employs both the launch time and manifesting mix of payload classes as design variables and considers the rendezvous launch window, onboard consumption demand, and vehicles' carrying capabilities as constraints. Four metrics are defined to quantify the utilization benefit and operational robustness of a space-station operational scenario. Each metric is used as the optimization objective function, and a genetic algorithm is employed to obtain the optimal solutions. The approach is demonstrated with a notional one-year operational scenario of China's future space station. The results indicate that the visit times of cargo vehicles have a considerable influence on logistics strategies, and each objective function of different metrics yields a different optimal logistics strategy.