Jonathan Battat

Topology of Urban Environments

This paper introduces a practical approach to constructing a hybrid 3D metrical–topological model of a university campus or other extended urban region from labeled 2D floor plan geometry. An exhaustive classification of adjacency types is provided for a typical infrastructure, including roads, walkways, green-space, and detailed indoor spaces. We extend traditional lineal techniques to 2D open spaces, incorporating changes in elevation. We demonstrate our technique on a dataset of approximately 160 buildings, 800 floors, and 44,000 spaces spanning indoor and outdoor areas. Finally, we describe MITquest, a web application that generates efficient walking routes.

Technology Decisions Under Architectural Uncertainty: Informing Investment Decisions Through Tradespace Exploration

United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Grant)

Systems Architecting Methodology for Space Transportation Infrastructure

Evaluation of launch architectures requires the assessment of options over a range of dimensions, which can be broadly grouped into technical performance, time to initial capability, cost, and satisfaction of stakeholders’ various needs. The challenge is to fairly compare a broad range of architectures across these dimensions. This paper presents a systems architecting methodology for comprehensive but transparent exploration of available options for future space transportation infrastructure, as applied to a super heavy lift launch infrastructure case study. The methodology supports investigation of the tradeoffs associated with stage propellant selection, launch vehicle configuration, and other relevant design parameters. The study considers potential low-Earth-orbit-class vehicles derived from the baseline vehicle to deliver early benefit from the heavy lift vehicle and provide an ongoing cost effective low-Earth-orbit service. The technical assessment methodology is validated against existing launch v...

The modeling and evaluation of interplanetary manned missions using system architecting techniques

The manned exploration of the rocky bodies of the solar system has long been one of the primary, if unstated, goals of the aerospace industry. In order to facilitate the design and decision process associated with the development of the systems necessary for such complex operations, an understanding of the system on the highest level must be established. This paper describes the development of a systems architecture-level model used to evaluate the in-space transportation portion of manned exploration missions to other rocky bodies in the solar system. The results of this analysis, including the “best” architectures given the metrics employed as well as technology decision impacts, will also be discussed. The MATLAB-based model utilizes the concepts of decision formulation, set partitioning problems, and technology option analysis. The set of architectures is decoupled from the launch vehicle architecture as well as destination exploration operations, allowing for an iso-performance analysis with science and exploration value while remaining independent of the launch vehicle limitations.