Description: ----This project is pending approval to proceed with implementation---- The System Engineering and Integration (SE&I) In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Modelling & Analysis (SIMA) project seeks to establish a dedicated, focused, and coordinated effort to leverage and evolve prior, on-going, and future Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) investments of physics-based, mission scalable, and reconfigurable component, subsystem, & system models to create a modular end-to-end ISRU system modeling & analysis capability. Each system model developed is an integrated and flexible framework of connected ISRU and ISRU related subsystem models designed to be interoperable with widely available commercial software packages. These coupled subsystem models enable point solutions, optimization, and/or parametric studies at the system level to perform Concept of Operations (ConOps) planning as well as mass, power, and volume estimates for scaling mission architectures. The Mission Analysis and Integration Tool (MAIT) was developed by STMD in FY21-FY22 under the ISRU Technical Readiness Level (TRL) Maturation project at JSC. MAIT operates by providing a modular MATLAB framework that enables coupled ISRU system analyses by linking the outputs of multiple subsystem models. A subsystem model is defined as a model of a single (or multiple) component / processes in the overall system architecture. The SIMA project is continuing to develop MAIT by creating a generic and standardized subsystem model and integrating Simulink into the tool. Simulink provides a user-friendly system diagram to improve the workflow of running models and allow for easier monitoring of relevant results. In addition, the output from the Simulink interface can be passed to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) software packages (such as Jama) to link Key Performance Parameters (KPP) and environmental requirements to the system models for validation. SIMA will develop the capability to design and compare ISRU mission architectures, including linking related subsystems such as electrolysis, water cleanup, and Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM). The goals of SIMA are summarized as follows:Develop/evolve a modular and standardized system framework using widely available software that can be applied to all major ISRU functions. Work with industry, academia, and international Subject Matter Experts (SME) to develop key ISRU subsystem models that support ISRU Moon and Mars system models. Develop flexible and scalable ISRU system models to perform analyses used by ISRU System Capability Leadership Team (SCLT) and community. SIMA will develop system models for Lunar water mining, Lunar oxygen extraction via Molten Regolith Electrolysis (MRE), Mars propellant production, and Lunar oxygen extraction via carbothermal. The system models developed by the SIMA project can be directly infused early in the hardware development lifecycle and benefit any ISRU project developing hardware. The system models can identify gaps, evaluate synergistic technology capabilities, and be used to convey and coordinate system interface requirements for other related technology disciplines to ensure end-to-end ISRU mission objectives are achieved.

Benefits: Without a modular framework using standardized interfaces, NASA projects typically develop subsystem models (in a wide assortment of software packages) for the purposes of defining and validating KPPs. These models are typically run independently without an associated high-fidelity upstream or downstream subsystem. The output of these models is not consistent with a full-system model where downstream hardware will affect the upstream system design (i.e., ISRU reactor production will affect upstream excavator scaling). SIMA is an improvement over existing modelling and analysis capabilities. The flexible MATLAB + Simulink platform is widely available and enables the following system level analyses:Provides a detailed understanding of the mass, power, volume, and other key metrics for critical ISRU ground and flight technologies/approaches by using common environmental conditions and assumptions (shared throughout the system model).Evaluates the pros/cons of competing technologies and approaches for down-selection, prioritization, & baselining ISRU related technologies (potentially integrating the same upstream and downstream subsystems for a unique apples-to-apples comparison). Moreover, each subsystem model selected (as shown in Figure 2 thru Figure 5) will be anchored to as-built hardware and validated by test data whenever possible.Establishes the interfaces and hardware requirements essential for end-to-end integration and operation of ISRU capabilities with other surface subsystem developers (i.e. excavation/delivery, electrical & power, fluid & cryogenic fluid management, thermal management, autonomy, communications, data, & navigation, etc.).Parametric studies from system models reveal the mass, power, & volume relationships between subsystems within a set of defined mission parameters and help to the identify key optimization opportunities as well as technology & engineering gaps. This data can be used to define test approaches that increase hardware understanding in relation to the system and subsequently verify and validate (V&V) the system model, increasing the fidelity of future predictions.