A multi-attribute decision-making approach toward space system design automation through a fuzzy logic-based analytic hierarchical process

Abstract

This paper presents a method to automate the preliminary spacecraft design by applying both a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology and the Fuzzy Logic theory. Fuzzy logic has been selected to simulate the human thinking of several experts’ teams in making refined choices within a universe of on-board subsystem solutions according to a set of a given sub-criteria generated by the general”maximum product return” goal. Among MCDM approaches, the Multi-Attribute (MADM) has been chosen to implement the proposed method: starting from the Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP), criteria relative importance is evaluated by a combination-sensitive weight vector obtained through a multi-level scheme. Uncertainty intrinsic in technical parameters is taken into account by managing all quantities with the interval algebra rules. Comparison between simulation results and existing space systems showed the validity of the proposed method. The results are really encouraging as the method detects almost identical combinations, drastically reducing the time dedicated to the preliminary spacecraft design. The suggested preliminary spacecraft configuration is also the nearest -according to an Euclidean metric in the criteria hyperspace- to the optimum detected by the MODM approach.