NASA models and simulations (M&S)

M&S Planning

Bolded words or phrases are key terms or acronyms defined under References or concepts discussed in NASA-STD-7009 or NASA-HDBK-7009.

M&S Planning consists of:

Real World System Life Cycle context for M&S Life Cycle

An M&S is (can be considered) a project in and of itself, having a life cycle of its own. The M&S Life Cycle in NASA-STD-7009 was adapted from the NASA Program/Project (or System) Management Life Cycle to facilitate an understanding of M&S life cycle progression for those who understand a program/project (or system) life cycle.

Life Cycle Development

An M&S can be developed for a wide variety of purposes, from supporting RWS Conceptual Studies to supporting RWS Operations; therefore, the full life cycle of an M&S may fully exist within one or more phases of the RWS life cycle. Understanding the current phase of the M&S with respect to the current phase and needs of the RWS provides a necessary context for the requirements, budget, and schedule for the M&S.

Program/Project Life Cycle

The M&S Planning Phase is the Model Initiation (or Pre-Phase A) Phase of the M&S Life Cycle. To further guide M&S Development, M&S Criticality is assessed and M&S Intended Use is developed.

M&S Planning Phase

For entry products, tasks, and exit products for each phase, see the M&S Life Cycle Page NASA M&S Planning References:

  • NASA-STD-7009, Appendix F
  • NASA-HDBK-7009, Section 4.6, Section 5

M&S Criticality

M&S Criticality is always with respect to the RWS (or RWS situation) to which it applies. RWS’s may have both non-critical and critical aspects. A method proposed in the NASA Handbook for M&S, NASA-HDBK-7009, for assessing M&S Criticality compares the amount of influence the M&S results have on a given RWS situation to the consequences associated with situation. A 5-by-5 matrix is commonly used to communicate the criticality. The red-yellow-green coloring of the matrix cells is situationally dependent, and may be tailored.

M&S Results Influence

NASA M&S Criticality References:

  • NASA-STD-7009, Appendix D
  • NASA-HDBK-7009, Section 5.1.1.3

M&S Statement of Intended Use

The Intended Use of an M&S is the expected purpose and application of an M&S and may be refined throughout M&S Development.

Developing an M&S Statement of Intended Use early in the M&S life cycle provides a basis for M&S Development and Use, and a starting point for M&S Requirements.

Consider the following items in developing the statement of intended use:

  1. What the Model Does
  2. Model Limits, due to
    1. Type of RWS represented
    2. Model Implementation
  3. General Functions
    1. Information for use in RWS analysis
    2. How the RWS is represented
    3. Predicting how the RWS will Behave
  4. Portions or Aspects of the RWS included
  5. Situations or conditions that define or influence the RWS, which define or influence the M&S and forthcoming analyses

NASA M&S Statement of Intended Use References:

  • NASA-STD-7009, Section 4.1.1 c (2), 4.2
  • NASA-HDBK-7009, Section 5.1.1.2