The Environment-Power System Analysis Tool development program

A description is given of the Environment Power System Analysis Tool (EPSAT), which is being developed to provide engineers with the ability to assess the effects of a broad range of environment interactions on space power systems. A unique user interface-data dictionary code architecture oversees a collection of existing and future environment modeling codes (e.g. neutral density) and physical interaction models (e.g. sheath ionization). The user interface presents the engineer with tables, graphs, and plots that, under supervision of the data dictionary, are automatically updated in response to parameter change. EPSAT thus provides the engineer with a comprehensive and responsive environmental assessment tool and the space scientist with a framework into which new environmental or physical models can be easily incorporated. >