Comparison of Traditional Versus CubeSat Remote Sensing: A Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach

This thesis compares the ability of both traditional and CubeSat remote sensing architectures to fulfill a set of mission requirements for a remote sensing scenario. Mission requirements originating from a hurricane disaster response scenario are developed to derive a set of system requirements. Using a Model-based Systems Engineering approach, these system requirements are used to develop notional traditional and CubeSat architecture models. The technical performance of these architectures is analyzed using Systems Toolkit (STK); the results are compared against Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) derived from the disaster response scenario. Additionally, systems engineering cost estimates are obtained for each satellite architecture using the Constructive Systems Engineering Cost Model (COSYSMO). The technical and cost comparisons between the traditional and CubeSat architectures are intended to inform future discussions relating to the benefits and limitations of using CubeSats to conduct operational missions

Complex experimentation processes: Fleet battle experiment implementation ; summary report

This report provides an interim description of methodology and experimentation process emerging in Fleet battle experiments. The developing science of complex system experimentation is expanded in this report, and applicable to other DOD related complex systems projects. -- Report documentation page.This study was sponsored by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Major-Caliber Ammunition Program Office, Crane, Indiana.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Cooperative Wide Area Search Algorithm Analysis Using Sub-Region Techniques

Recent advances in small Unmmaned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology reinvigorates the need for additional research into Wide Area Search (WAS) algorithms for civilian and military applications. But due to the extremely large variability in UAV environments and design, Digital Engineering (DE) is utilized to reduce the time, cost, and energy required to advance this technology. DE also allows rapid design and evaluation of autonomous systems which utilize and support WAS algorithms. Modern WAS algorithms can be broadly classified into decision-based algorithms, statistical algorithms, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. This research continues on the work by Hatzinger and Gertsman by creating a decision-based algorithm which subdivides the search region into sub-regions known as cells, decides an optimal next cell to search, and distributes the results of the search to other cooperative search assets. Each cooperative search asset would store the following four crucial arrays in order to decide which cell to search: current estimated target density of each cell; the current number of assets in a cell; each cooperative asset’s next cell to search; and the total time any asset has been in a cell. A software-based simulation based environment, Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM), was utilized to complete the verification process, create the test environment, and the System under Test (SUT). Additionally, the algorithm was tested against threats of various distributions to simulate clustering of targets. Finally, new Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) are introduced from AI and ML including Precision, Recall, and F-score. The new and the original MOEs from Hatzinger and Gertsman are analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and covariance matrix. The results of this research show the algorithm does not have a significant effect against the original MOEs or the new MOEs which is likely due to a similar spreading of the Networked Collaborative Autonomous Munition (NCAM) as compared to Hatzinger and Gertsman. The results are negatively correlated to a decrease in target distributions standard deviation i.e. target clustering. This second result is more surprising as tighter target distributions could result in less area to search, but the NCAM continue to distribute their locations regardless of clusters identified

Agent Based Simulation Seas Evaluation of DoDAF Architecture

With Department of Defense (DoD) weapon systems being deeply rooted in the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) structure, it is necessary for combat models to capture C4ISR effects in order to properly assess military worth. Unlike many DoD legacy combat models, the agent based model System Effectiveness and Analysis Simulation (SEAS) is identified as having C4ISR analysis capabilities. In lieu of requirements for all new DoD C4ISR weapon systems to be placed within a DoD Architectural Framework (DoDAF), investigation of means to export data from the Framework to the combat model SEAS began. Through operational, system, and technical views, the DoDAF provides a consistent format for new weapon systems to be compared and evaluated. Little research has been conducted to show how to create an executable model of an actual DoD weapon system described by the DoDAF. In collaboration with Systems Engineering masters student Captain Andrew Zinn, this research identified the Aerospace Operation Center (AOC) weapon system architecture, provided by the MITRE Corp., as suitable for translation into SEAS. The collaborative efforts lead to the identification and translation of architectural data products to represent the Time Critical Targeting (TCT) activities of the AOC. A comparison of the AOC weapon system employing these TCT activities with an AOC without TCT capabilities is accomplished within a Kosovo-like engagement (provided by Space and Missile Center Transformations Directorate). Results show statistically significant differences in measures of effectiveness (MOEs) chosen to compare the systems. The comparison also identified the importance of data products not available in this incomplete architecture and makes recommendations for SEAS to be more receptive to DoDAF data products

MOVEABLE, DEPLOYABLE MICROGRID ANALYSIS

This report focuses on the assessment of the feasibility of Moveable, Deployable Microgrids (MODEMs) from an interoperability and sustainment perspective as an alternative solution to traditional backup power methods aimed at bringing critical loads back online after installation microgrid failures or operational energy needs. Prior research into microgrid solutions by MAJ Daniel Varley in his paper “Feasibility Analysis of a Mobile Microgrid Design to Support Department of Defense (DOD) Energy Resilience Goals” identified MODEM as a potential solution. This report utilized the work done by MAJ Varley and further assesses system feasibility. Base and operational energy managers will benefit from MODEMs by having access to multi-energy source systems that are both easily moveable and relatively simplistic in design. As concerns surrounding energy resiliency of defense critical infrastructure by both the DOD and Department of Energy (DOE) mount, as expressed in a March 2022 report by the Electricity Advisory Committee (EAC) titled “Strengthening the Resilience of Defense Critical Infrastructure”, there is a push to identify cost-effective solutions that utilize alternative energy sources in order to improve the overall resiliency of this infrastructure. The MODEM system has the potential to be a viable solution to the resiliency problem.Outstanding ThesisCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

Executable Architectures and their Application to a Geographically Distributed Air Operations Center

Integrated Architectures and Network Centric Warfare represent two central concepts in the Department of Defense\u27s (DoD) on-going transformation. The true power of integrated architectures is brought to bear when they are combined with simulation to move beyond a static representation and create an executable architecture. This architecture can then be used to experiment with system configurations and parameter values to guide employment decisions. The process of developing and utilizing an executable architecture will be employed to assess an Air Operations Center (AOC). This thesis applies and expands upon the methodology of Dr. Alexander Levis, former Chief Scientist of the Air Force, to the static architecture representing the Aerospace Operations Center (AOC). Using Colored Petri Nets and other simulation tools, an executable architecture for the AOC\u27s Air Tasking Order (ATO) production thread was developed. These models were then used to compare the performance of a current, forward-deployed AOC configuration to three other potential configurations that utilize a network centric environment to deploy a portion of the AOC and provide reach-back capabilities to the non-deployed units. Performance was measured by the amount of time required to execute the ATO cycle under each configuration. Communication requirements were analyzed for each configuration and stochastic delays were modeled for all transactions in which requirements could not be met due to the physical configuration of the AOC elements. All four configurations were found to exhibit statistically different behavior with regard to ATO cycle time

Interoperability Measurement

This research presents an inaugural general method of measuring the collaborative and confrontational interoperability of a heterogeneous set of systems in the context of an operational process. The method is holistic, fundamental, flexible, and mathematical in nature and accommodates all types of systems and interoperations. The method relates the interoperability measurement to measures of operational effectiveness for confrontational operational processes. Extant leveling methods of describing interoperability are shown to be a special case of the more general method given in this research and the general interoperability measurement method is demonstrated through the presentation of coalition interoperability, suppression of enemy air defenses, and precision strike applications. Further application is recommended in technical, non-technical, cross-domain, and non-traditional interoperability areas and additional research is suggested on the topics of indirect interoperability measurement and collaborative interoperability impact on operational effectiveness