Micro-Logistics Analysis for Human Space Exploration

Traditionally, logistics analysi s for space missions has focused on the delivery of elements and goods to a destination. This type of logistics analysis can be referred to as “macro logistics”. While the delivery of goods is a critical component of mission analysis, it captures only a po rtion of the constraints that logistics planning may impose on a mission scenario. The other component of logistics analysis concerns the local handling of goods at the destination, including storage, usage, and disposal. This type of logistics analysis, r eferred to as “micro -logistics”, may also be a primary driver in the viability of a human lunar exploration scenario. With the rigorous constraints that will be placed upon a human lunar outpost, it is necessary to accurately evaluate micro -logistics opera tions in order to develop exploration scenarios that will result in an acceptable level of system performance.