MIT researchers are designing a software tool for interplanetary logistics, essentially a method to model how materials–fuel, food, parts, etc.–could flow from Earth to the International Space Station, the Moon, Mars, or other off-world destinations. From the MIT News Office:
While "supply chain" usually refers to the flow of goods and materials in and out of manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and retail stores, (aeronautics and astronautics engineer Olivier) de Weck said that a well-designed interplanetary supply chain would operate on much the same principles, with certain complicating factors. Transportation delays could be significant–as much as six to nine months in the case of Mars–and shipping capacity will be very limited. This will require mission planners to make difficult trade-offs between competing demands for different types of supplies.
A reliable supply chain will "improve exploration capability and the quality of scientific results from the missions while minimizing transportation costs and reducing risks" to crew members, de Weck said.
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