Modeling Space System Architectures with Graph Theory

Current space system architecture modeling frameworks use a variety of methods to generate their architecture definitions and system models but are either too manual or too limited in scope to effectively explore the architecture-level design space exploration. This paper outlines a method to mathematically model space system architectures using graph theory, which provides a simple mathematical framework that is flexible enough to model many different system architecture options, such as lunar, asteroid, and Mars missions. Multiple lunar system architectures were considered in NASA’s Exploration System Architecture Study mission modes comparison. These system architectures are modeled within this framework to demonstrate the ability to rapidly compare the performance of different system architectures within a single framework. This capability is crucial in order to explore the system architecture-level design space and make informed decisions on the future of a human space exploration program.