Generation of Functional Modular Space Stations Configurations using Genetic Algorithms

As humanity prepares for the next great age of exploration within the cosmos, we must reexamine the paradigms for in-orbit habitation. This paper presents a new type of space station architecture called MORPH, or modularly oriented robotic platform hub. This space station comprises connected modular CubeSat units, whose payloads contain a subsystem role. This system would allow for autonomous self-assembly and reconfiguration, which could benefit a colonial space mission greatly. This paper chronicles the development of a key supporting algorithm to this system concept called COMB, or configurator of modular blocks. It is an evolutionary algorithm that inputs mission parameters, such as desired spacecraft parameters, position, and attitude, and computes an optimized solution. The spacecraft parameters are the thrust, energy consumption, communication rate, available torque, computing power, and cost. The position is in terms of the spacecraft’s current orbital elements. The attitude is defined as the spacecraft’s set of Euler angles. These parameters allow the system to conduct system trade studies and develop a space station configuration. The algorithm favors a system of systems approach by valuing solutions that contain groups of subsystem modules. This is done to mimic real and complex spacecraft systems. Utilizing the default requirements, orbital elements of the ISS on September 10th,2023, and an attitude of θ = 30°, ψ = 0, φ = 0. It converged to a final fitness value after 2,500 generations, showcasing an algorithm's capability to perform systems-level design.