MMARS - Moon/MArs-base Resource Simulator: A Tool for Generating Quantitative Models of Large Space Projects 932242

MMARS (Moon/MArs-base Resource Simulator) is a computer program that automatically generates quantitative summaries of the physical resources (components and facilities) required for normal operation of a planned planetary base or other large project. The user enters a small set of base task descriptors which define the goal or purpose of the base, and the program automatically adds all components, facilities, and functions needed to support that task. And because the support components added also generate a need for support themselves (any component may require power, or labor to operate, for example), MMARS continues, in recursive fashion, to add components and facilities to support the growing list of components and facilities, until the demand for new resources no longer increases.

The resulting base is completely defined in terms of the existing database, and no components or facilities are missing or in excess: there are no mismatches between any component or facility requirements. A program run generates a complete quantitative summary of all base components, facilities, and resources including mass, volume, area, labor, power, communications, transport and life support needed to both set up and maintain normal operations of a base.