Space mission planners have access to advanced optimization algorithms that generate optimal solutions from trade studies without scripts or programming. The new Optimizer extension for STK/Analyzer software was developed by Phoenix Integration, Inc., of Blacksburg, VA, and is offered by Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) of Exton, PA.
Pairing the trade study and optimization software allows users to interactively investigate and visualize design spaces in order to best predict engineering outcomes.
Optimizer extends STK/Analyzer's capabilities by employing three optimization algorithms-adaptive surrogate, genetic, and gradient-based-along with sensitivity analysis and interactive design space exploration tools.
These can be used to answer questions such as what maneuvers best minimize fuel usage; how to maximize collection time over an area of interest; or how to optimize defense system parameters to maximize coverage.
"When expanding STK's core analysis capabilities with Optimizer's new functionality, the software easily provides answers to complex optimization and trade study questions that mission planners are confronted with every day," says Kevin Flood, AGI director of product management.
"By automating 'what-if' scenarios and cumbersome calculations that solve for the best possible solution, analysts can now focus more time on mission-critical decisions."
