Simulation, modeling and analysis of Space Shuttle flight hardware processing

This paper describes key aspects of the history of the space shuttle's flight rate and the uses of simulation for estimating and assessing flight rate. When initially proposed, the shuttle was to fly 50 to 150 times per year. The earliest simulation models supported these projects but were based upon faulty assumptions. As the shuttle has evolved so have simulation models. Today's simulation accurately models the shuttle's flight rate of approximately 7 per year and is benefiting both the current shuttle and future shuttle replacement vehicles being considered by NASA.