The Exploration Launch & Landing Analysis (ELLA) Model
ELLA is a discrete event simulation (DES) software system that models alternative scenarios for operations at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). It consists of an Arena (Rockwell Software) model, a PAI proprietary graphical user interface to Arena, and a supplemental spreadsheet output file. The Arena model is based on a collection of domain-specific programming modules depicting various phases of operations unique to any space launch center. These modules include: arrival of launch vehicle components to the launch site, pre-integration processing operations, integration of launch vehicle components, launch, ascent, mission, descent, and extended maintenance operations for reusable launch vehicle components. ELLA also includes extensive flexibility features in modeling these operations by allowing the analyst to select a variety of logic options during the setup of a simulation run of the model. These include source scheduling of new launch vehicle components, multiple vehicle integration locations, multiple vehicle configurations, and running the model based on either a mission schedule or inter-arrival times. The Ariana user interface facilitates the gathering of model inputs, populating the model for a variety of scenarios, and displaying outputs in both graphical and tabular formats. The supplemental spreadsheet output file presents information from the simulation run in a contextually relevant format and, additionally, grouping similar outputs for rapid assimilation. The design of the ELLA system supports experimentation of single or multiple scenarios with a verified model for optimization of launch site operations prior to implementation and subsequently through the entire life-cycle of Space Port operations.