Space Mission Analysis Branch

As a premiere space concepts and systems analysis organization, SMAB enables well-informed decision-making throughout NASA with integrated analysis and assessments of complex space systems, architectures, and portfolios based on benefit, cost, and risk. Through support of a broad set of agency customers, SMAB provides holistic insights within and across organizations that advance NASA’s human exploration and robotic scientific missions.

Meet the Team

SMAB Stories

Learn more about the people behind the work at the Space Mission Analysis Branch

View SMAB Stories

Aerospace engineer Eric McVay is working towards returning humans to the Moon and then getting them to Mars. Learn about how he makes sure the hundreds of people working towards this goal are aligned and moving in the same direction.
Several United States government agencies utilize space to achieve their organizational goals, but how do these different organizations achieve mutual cooperation in space? We discuss this and more with SMAB analyst Gregory Benjamin. Credits: NASA.
How does NASA ensure that it’s making the most out of its resources? We talk to SMAB engineer and Assistant Branch Head Jordan Klovstad about his work in cost analysis. Credits: NASA/Advanced Concepts Laboratory.
As the number of satellites in orbit grows, NASA needs to understand how they might collaborate to help answer big questions about space science. Aerospace engineer Ben Merrel talks about his work exploring the reliability and effectiveness of satellite constellations.
As Melvin Ferebee wrapped up his career as the Director for the Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate (SACD), Ferebee shared his experiences as a NASA employee and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Space scientists come up with many new mission ideas, so how does NASA decide which missions are technically feasible? That’s where people like SMAB analyst Katie McBrayer come in.
What does it take to send astronauts to and from Mars? We discuss the challenges of designing a crewed Mars mission with SMAB engineer Patrick Chai, the lead of NASA Langley Research Center’s Mars Architecture Team. Credits: NASA/Advanced Concepts Laboratory.
Space exploration is a cooperative venture across humanity. We discuss how that cooperation is achieved with SMAB engineer Kandyce Goodliff. Source: ISECG.
How could we use resources found in space to expand exploration? One method for enabling Moon to Mars missions that former SMAB analyst Alejandro Pensado considered was using lunar resources to create propellant.
Explaining conceptual research can be challenging, but good visualizations can help. We speak to Kevin Greer, a multimedia specialist with the Advanced Concepts Lab, about how he uses virtual reality to connect people with NASA Langley’s work. Credits: NASA/Advanced Concepts Laboratory.
Marie Ivanco, an aerospace engineer and decision science expert, explains how she tackles the challenges of designing new science mission architectures in a way that meets objectives from interested parties around the world. Credits: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
What’s the right orbit for a satellite to provide the best science possible? We talk with SMAB engineer Vianni Ricano Cadenas about her work aiding the NASA Earth Science Division. Credits: NASA Jet Propulsion Lab
How do you pack for a trip to space? Nicole Piontek, a former intern of SMAB, talks about her work in supportability analysis and how she works to find the “the perfect balance between mass, and spares, and risk.” Credits: NASA/Advanced Concepts Laboratory.
Astronauts will be staying for longer periods of time on the Moon. Melanie Grande has imagined a sustainable way to keep them safe while they're living and working there.
“Imagine what life would look like if we didn’t have gas stations.” We talk with SMAB engineer Daniel Tiffin about his efforts to replicate the function of a gas station in orbit, with the goal of allowing us to refuel Artemis spacecraft for deep-space exploration.
How do you reach out to younger generations to show them NASA’s visions for the future? Bob Evangelista, a multimedia specialist with the Advanced Concepts Lab, says that sometimes you have to try “something different, something a little daring.”
Tim Lewis is both a strategic and systems thinker. He doesn’t make decisions about engineering or science, but he is responsible for building a consensus that enables those decisions to be made.

Branch Core Capabilities

Space Concepts, Analysis, & Assessments

Campaigns

We evaluate integrated sequences of missions over extended periods of time against technical and programmatic objectives.

We generate comprehensive risk assessments on space system supportability and affordability.

Integrated Architectures

We develop integrated architectures that blend system and mission concepts to achieve long-term exploration, science, and technology development goals.

Missions

We design and assess end-to-end space missions using in-house and commercial off-the-shelf tools.

We provide high fidelity mission simulation and visualization for space missions to enable detailed technical analysis and public engagement.

Vehicles

We support in-depth, multi-discipline design and analysis of concepts and vehicles from pre-formulation through operations.

Decision Analysis

We apply decision analysis methods to inform NASA decision makers for activities such as portfolio characterization and prioritization, trade space exploration and down-selection of design options, and cost-benefit analysis.

We develop independent decision models to enable traceable data-driven decisions.