Mitigating contextual uncertainties with valuable changeability analysis in the multi-epoch domain

This paper details a method involving a series of metrics and visuals designed to assist in the determination of a single design or set of designs' valuable changeability in the multi-epoch domain of Epoch-Era Analysis (EEA). A brief introduction to the necessary concepts of EEA is included, with references for further information. Example application of these new metrics is provided in the form of a partial case study of a potential orbit-realigning space tug system. The metrics are demonstrated to give insight into the value added by changeability and the total value provided by changeability and robustness in tandem. Reference [12] is a companion paper, detailing additional metrics and methods used to value system changeability at the era level. Multi-epoch analysis is best suited for understanding the performance of systems across the space of potential future uncertainties when considering their ability to change design; era analysis uncovers additional time-dependent information related to lifetime value and applied change mechanism usage.