Collaborative optimization is a new design architecture speci cally created for large-scale distributed-analysis applications. In this approach, a problem is decomposed into a user-de ned number of subspace optimization problems that are driven towards interdisciplinary compatibility and the appropriate solution by a system-level coordination process. This decentralized design strategy allows d...

Under an Air Force Phase II SBIR contract, Microcosm is developing a self-configuring avionics network, scheduled for test on a sounding rocket in late 2003 or early 2004. This system is extendable to spacecraft avionics and housekeeping functions, enabling true plug-and-play capability.

The early design phase of launch vehicles often involves low fidelity models that are characterized by a high level modeling uncertainties. These uncertainties have to be propagated into the whole process in order ensure robustness found vehicle architecture. Launch trajectory optimization induces large computational cost for uncertainty propagation using nested loop approach (outer and inner o...

In 2004, the Atlas program of Lockheed Martin created a vision for performance evolution of the Atlas V family focused on NASA growth missions, with performance options ranging up to 140t. The 5m diameter, 70t class Phase 2 Atlas Heavy, assuming dual RD-180s, was a key vehicle in this evolution. With Constellation, this configuration was put on the back burner, but there is now renewed interest...

The paper reviews the common definitions of reliability that are relevant to launch vehicles (LVs) and discusses their theoretical and practical interpretations. The paper then proceeds to a discussion of the data and methods available for reliability estimation at various LV system maturity stages, presenting examples of results and estimations obtained by past and recent studies. This leads t...