GEM-FLO
Generic Simulation Environment for Modeling Future Space Launch Operations
PAI has developed the only simulation environment available to NASA to aid in the evaluation of future space vehicle designs.
Currently, NASA is soliciting from industry new designs and technologies for future Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV) with a potential goal of replacing the Space Shuttle in the 2010 timeframe. Proposals by various contractors are under development. Over the next year, NASA will evaluate these proposals to determine which are to receive further funding.
Productivity Apex developed the Generic Simulation Environment for Modeling Future Space Launch Operations (GEM-FLO) with funding from NASA, to accurately predict processing turnaround times and other effectiveness criteria, and support key business and program decision-making.
GEM-FLO is a state-of-the-art, generic, discrete event simulation platform designed to accept any expendable or reusable launch vehicle design characteristics and operational inputs, to automatically generate a simulation model of the system under study. GEM-FLO provides a common platform for comparing alternate designs such as the Next Generation Launch Technology, Orbital Space Plane, Shuttle, and Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) architectures in a timely manner.
Currently GEM-FLO is in version three with improved functionality and ABC costing capabilities. GEM-FLO has been widely adopted by various NASA programs including the Shuttle, the Orbital Space Plane (OSP), the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLT), and Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) Programs. Due to GEM-FLO's adoption at various NASA centers, GEM-FLO has now been integrated into the NASA Exploration Information Ontology Model (NExIOM). GEM-FLO is also currently being used by NASA contractors such as Lockheed Martin.For more information about the use of GEM-FLO at NASA please click here