Case Study: NASA optimizes manufacturing process design with SIMUL8

Optimizing manufacturing process design for NASA using SIMUL8

SAIC used SIMUL8 simulation software to help NASA optimize the highly complex manufacturing process for the Ares 1-X Upper Stage Simulator. The challenge involved a difficult team structure, limited resources, and the goal of fabricating and assembling cylindrical vehicle segments to meet strict schedule and budget constraints for the mission.

The SIMUL8 solution provided a visual model that ignited crucial process discussions and delivered concrete evidence to justify changes. As a result, SAIC and NASA implemented new welding techniques, a crew-based approach, and schedule dashboards, which enabled the team to deliver on schedule and contribute to the timely test flight of the new launch vehicle.

NASA

George Culver

Sr. Operations Research Analyst/Engineer