Prioritizing Satellite Payload Selection via Optimization

This thesis develops optimization models for prioritizing payloads for inclusion on satellite buses with volume, power, weight and budget constraints. The first model considers a single satellite launch for which the budget is uncertain and constellation requirements are not considered. Subsequently, we include constellation requirements and provide a more enhanced model. Both single-launch models provide a prioritized list of payloads to include on the launch before the budget is realized. The single-launch models are subsequently extended to a sequence of multiple launches in two cases, both of which incorporate an explicit dependence on the constellation composition at each launch epoch. The first case ignores future launches and solves a series of independent single-launch problems. The second case considers all launches simultaneously. The optimization models for single- and multiple-launch cases are evaluated through a computational study. It was found that, when the budget distribution is skewed, the prioritization model outperforms a greedy payload selection heuristic in the single-launch model. For the multiple-launch models, it was found that the consideration of future launches can significantly improve the objective function values

Modeling Network Interdiction Tasks

Mission planners seek to target nodes and/or arcs in networks that have the greatest benefit for an operational plan. In joint interdiction doctrine, a top priority is to assess and target the enemy\u27s vulnerabilities resulting in a significant effect on its forces. An interdiction task is an event that targets the nodes and/or arcs of a network resulting in its capabilities being destroyed, diverted, disrupted, or delayed. Lessons learned from studying network interdiction model outcomes help to inform attack and/or defense strategies. A suite of network interdiction models and measures is developed to assist decision makers in identifying critical nodes and/or arcs to support deliberate and rapid planning and analysis. The interdiction benefit of a node or arc is a measure of the impact an interdiction task against it has on the residual network. The research objective is achieved with a two-fold approach. The measures approach begins with a network and uses node and/or arc measures to assess the benefit of each for interdiction. Concurrently, the models approach employs optimization models to explicitly determine the nodes and/or arcs that are most important to the planned interdiction task