An analytical tool for tracking and visualizing the transfer of mass at each stage of complex missions

This paper describes an Excel-based mass tracking tool developed to track and compare wet and dry masses of all flight elements through all steps and maneuvers in a variety of complex mission architectures. The tool generates analytical and visual outputs that track propellant and mass transfer calculations, easily performs sensitivity analyses, and enables mission planners to objectively compare design reference missions.** ∗ Senior Engineer, Surface Systems Engineering Group, 4800 Oak Grove, M/S 301-175C, Senior Member AIAA. ** The research described in this paper was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Space 2006 19 21 September 2006, San Jose, California AIAA 2006-7254 Copyright © 2006 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. The U.S. Government has a royalty-free license to exercise all rights under the copyright claimed herein for Governmental purposes. All other rights are reserved by the copyright owner. AIAA_MassTrak_30Aug06a Page 2 of 17 pages