A mixed integer linear programming model for traffic logistics management at the international space station

Abstract

The operations of the International Space Station (ISS) pose many challenging issues, including logistics. The on orbit stay of the ISS is to be significantly extended in the near future: there will be an increased experimental activity in microgravity, giving rise to a renewed interest also in the related optimization aspects. A permanent logistic support is necessary to guarantee key ISS operations, as well as the scientific activities performed on-board. A traffic model, based on a mixed integer linear programming (MIP) approach, has been adopted to carry out the requested logistic planes. This chapter discusses the MIP model and provides insights concerning its application context.