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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.


SMAB Stories

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

  • 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.

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.

Strategic Analysis

We facilitate the advancement of organizational strategy through the development and execution of strategic frameworks.

We provide independent technical and programmatic assessments of space technology and system concepts.

Technology Assessment and Gap Analysis

We model and assess the impacts of technologies on space systems, missions, and architectures.

We characterize technology and capability needs on a system and architectural level to inform portfolio formulation and prioritization.


Customers