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To allow for the assessment of synergistic subsystem interactions during the conceptual design phase of manned spacecraft and space stations, an existing software tool was improved to permit integrated modeling and simulation of a space station's life support system and attitude and orbit control system. This facilitates early estimation of potential reductions in resupply mass - and life-cycle cost - as well as the assessment of increases in operational flexibility through incorporation of synergisms into the conceptual design. The created interactive tool is based on a user-friendly graphical programming language and can therefore be used by conceptual designers and engineering students alike.

This paper describes an interdisciplinary approach to the conceptual design of space stations. Two key ingredients define it: a human-centered design approach, and a habitat attitude towards inhabited space structures. Both have their roots in terrestrial architecture, which represents centuries of experience in the design of human-centered habitats. The paper documents how an interdisciplinary conceptual design process was developed by improving an existing validated engineering methodology for the conceptual design of space stations by adding elements from architectural practice. An initial space station design project using this approach shows promising results.

A new software tool, MELISSA, has been developed for the simulation of life-support systems and other network-type subsystems. MELISSA features an intuitive graphical modeling environment and interactive simulation execution. Applications of MELISSA range from the analysis and validation of new ECLSS designs, to parametric optimization studies, to failure mode effects and criticality analysis of life-support systems. Additionally, MELISSA can be employed for training ECLSS developers and users, and as a teaching tool for lectures and seminars on systems design. As a demonstration, an ECLSS similar to the one of the International Space Station has been modeled and simulated.