Integration of TEUs as Payloads for Rocket Missions

The increasing frequency of space launches necessitates the development of an efficient logistics and infrastructure system to support growing payload integration demands. This Phase I SBIR effort focuses on optimizing spaceport operations through high-fidelity Discrete Event Simulation (DES) modeling, weather-resilient infrastructure analysis, and the development of a Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) Digital Twin technologies. These technologies aim to reduce logistical bottlenecks, increase payload processing efficiency, and enhance resilience against environmental disruptions.The first technical objective centers on DES modeling, which will identify inefficiencies in payload integration, from warehouse storage to launch vehicle loading. This model will optimize logistics, evaluate payload placement configurations, and generate input data for future surrogate-based optimization algorithms. The second technical objective addresses weather resilience by integrating civil and environmental engineering principles to mitigate launch delays caused by hurricanes, coastal flooding, and other sources of extreme weather. This component includes site evaluations and modular infrastructure designs that improve long-term operational continuity. The third objective involves the development of a TEU Digital Twin, which integrates real-time sensor data for payload health monitoring, position tracking, and verification of conditions. The digital twin will improve payload validation by reducing turnaround time through real-time condition assessments. Initial studies will focus on vibration and thermal conditions during transit and launch preparation.The culmination of these efforts will provide a validated DES framework, an initial TEU Digital Twin prototype, and recommendations for weather-resilient infrastructure, all of which are designed to enhance spaceport logistics. Phase II (if funded) will further refine and integrate these technologies, enabling real-time predictive analytics and automated decision-making. The overarching goal is to create an optimized and adaptable spaceport framework that improves the reliability and efficiency of global launch operations.