Concept of operations

About: Concept of operations is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 964 publications have been published within this topic receiving 6845 citations. The topic is also known as: CONOPS.

Total Probability of Collision as a Metric for Finite Conjunction Assessment and Collision Risk Management

Abstract: On-orbit collision risk is becoming an increasing mission risk to all operational satellites in Earth orbit. Managing this risk can be disruptive to mission and operations, present challenges for decision-makers, and is time-consuming for all parties involved. With the planned capability improvements to detecting and tracking smaller orbital debris and capacity improvements to routinely predict on-orbit conjunctions, this mission risk will continue to grow in terms of likelihood and effort. It is very real possibility that the future space environment will not allow collision risk management and mission operations to be conducted in the same manner as it is today. This paper presents the concept of a finite conjunction assessment-one where each discrete conjunction is not treated separately but, rather, as a continuous event that must be managed concurrently. The paper also introduces the Total Probability of Collision as an analogous metric for finite conjunction assessment operations and provides several options for its usage in a Concept of Operations.

The Concept of Operations for a U.S. Army Combat-Oriented Logistics Execution System with VISION (Visibility of Support Options),

Abstract: : This report describes the concept of operations for a U.S. Army combat-oriented Logistics Execution System with VISION (Visibility of Support Options). It is the first in a series that describes concepts for logistics decision support systems designed to improve the wartime and peacetime availability of important U.S. Army weapon systems through improved management of logistics resources. The VISION series of decision support systems recognizes that inherent uncertainties will cause imbalances between requirements for logistics resources and their availabilities in both peacetime and wartime environments. As a consequence, the VISION series provides methods that logisticians can use to adjust their actions to compensate for such uncertainties. This first VISION report develops concepts for dealing with uncertainties in the design of execution activities. Subsequent reports will develop concepts for dealing with uncertainties in the design of information systems that have to do with logistics planning, programming, budget allocation, and command and control processes. The reports should provide meaningful ideas and direction for the development of an Army strategic plan for logistics systems modernization.

A Storyboard Tool to Assist Concept of Operations Development

Abstract: We describe progress in developing a software tool to help create, communicate, and refine concept of operations (ConOps) information. Information found in a ConOps document is central to our tool. ConOps documents are written in the end user's language, describing how the proposed system should support the users' tasks. While there are some helpful documents prescribing ConOps format, there is little direct assistance to express the concept of operations. We describe a tool to help author this information, integrate it with storyboard sketches, refine it through interaction with other stakeholders, and finally export the information in a form directly usable by developers. We have developed a demonstration prototype that performs the core functions of ConOps definition. We discuss the results of this prototyping effort and plans for expanding the tool functions. We plan to refine the tool through experience with ongoing projects so that it supports system concept development.

Small Aircraft Transportation System Simulation Analysis of the HVO and ERO Concepts

Abstract: It is acknowledged that the aviation and aerospace industries are primary forces influencing the industrial development and economic well being of the United States and many countries around the world. For decades the US national air transportation system has been the model of success - safely and efficiently moving people, cargo, goods and services and generating countless benefits throughout the global community; however, the finite nature of the system and many of its components is becoming apparent. Without measurable increases in the capacity of the national air transportation system, delays and service delivery failures will eventually become intolerable. Although the recent economic slowdown has lowered immediate travel demands, that trend is reversing and cargo movement remains high. Research data indicates a conservative 2.5-3.0% annual increase in aircraft operations nationwide through 2017. Such growth will place additional strains upon a system already experiencing capacity constraints. The stakeholders of the system will continue to endure ever-increasing delays and abide lesser levels of service to many lower population density areas of the country unless more efficient uses of existing and new transportation resources are implemented. NASA s Small Aircraft Transportation System program (SATS) is one of several technologies under development that are aimed at using such resources more effectively. As part of this development effort, this report is the first in a series outlining the findings and recommendations resulting from a comprehensive program of multi-level analyses and system engineering efforts undertaken by NASA Langley Research Center s Systems Analysis Branch (SAB). These efforts are guided by a commitment to provide systems-level analysis support for the SATS program. Subsequent efforts will build upon this early work to produce additional analyses and benefits studies needed to provide the technical and economic basis for national investment and policy decisions related to further development and potential deployment of a small aircraft transportation system. This report primarily serves two purposes. First, it presents results attained from an initial evaluation and analysis of the Higher Volume Operations (HVO) and EnRoute Operations (ERO) concepts - both designated operational capabilities within the SATS Program s Concept of Operations (CONOPS) document. It further outlines areas of the concepts that would benefit from follow-on analyses and system engineering efforts. It is intended that these processes will aid continued maturation of the concepts and promote additional studies of their effects and influences in combination with other designated CONOPS currently under development. In essence, it establishes a baseline of data upon which subsequent analyses and studies can be built and identifies performance characteristics the concept must exhibit in order to provide, at minimum, levels of safety and usage equal to or better than the current system.