Researchers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center have developed a
Monte Carlo simulation tool that assists the International Space
Station (ISS) program with determining logistics support
resources. The functional Availability Simulation Tool (fASTER)
simulates a multitude of different operational scenarios and
allows for the effects of complex program resource restrictions
and constraints including, crew maintenance time, carrier upmass
capability, and sparing postulate. fASTER uses orbital
replacement unit (ORU) reliability data and operational
constraints to compute an average expected availability over
time at the ORU level and at the functional level. Based on the
expected ORU failure rate distribution, the model uses a random
number generator process to simulate failures over the life of
the station. The tool runs on a desktop personal computer and
uses an intuitive user interface that facilitates fast set-up of
each model simulation. This technology is being made available
through JSC’s Technology Transfer a