Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper proposes a novel replenishment strategy for a satellite mega-constellation involving two supply modes: the primary and auxiliary modes. The primary mode employs the indirect channel, wherein spare satellites are initially sent to a parking orbit before transferring to the target orbital plane using their own propulsion systems. Conversely, the auxiliary supply mode utilizes a direct channel, injecting spare satellites immediately into their designated orbital planes. An inventory management model using parametric replenishment policies with a time window is constructed. Two optimization problems to design and operate the supply chain for satellite mega-constellation replenishment reflecting the perspectives of the constellation operator and launch service provider are formulated and solved. A case study demonstrates the applicability of the proposed approach for the supply chain management of a mega-constellation.
DOI: 10.2514/1.a36281
Authors: Jaewoo Kim, Jaemyung Ahn, Taehyun Sung
Institution: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Management Information Systems
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4408802446