The Automated Scheduling and Planning Environment (ASPEN) computer program has been updated to version 3.0. ASPEN as a whole (up to version 2.0) has been summarized, and selected aspects of ASPEN have been discussed in several previous NASA Tech Briefs articles. Restated briefly, ASPEN is a modular, reconfigurable, application software framework for solving batch problems that involve reasoning about time, activities, states, and resources. Applications of ASPEN can include planning spacecraft missions, scheduling of personnel, and managing supply chains, inventories, and production lines. ASPEN 3.0 can be customized for a wide range of applications and for a variety of computing environments that include various central processing units and random-access memories. Domain-specific reasoning modules (e.g., modules for determining orbits for spacecraft) can easily be plugged into ASPEN 3.0. Improvements over other, similar software that have been incorporated into ASPEN 3.0 include a provision for more expressive time-line values, new parsing capabilities afforded by an ASPEN language based on Extensible Markup Language, improved search capabilities, and improved interfaces to other, utility-type software (notably including MATLAB).
This program was written by Gregg Rabideau, Steve Chien, Russell Knight, Steven Schaffer, Daniel Tran, Benjamin Cichy, and Robert Sherwood of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (626) 395-2322. Refer to NPO-41986.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
ASPEN Version 3.0
(reference NPO-41986) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for ASPEN Version 3.0, developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). ASPEN, which stands for Automated Scheduling and Planning Environment, is a modular and reconfigurable software framework designed to automate reasoning tasks related to time, states, resources, and actions, particularly in the context of space mission planning and scheduling.
Key features of ASPEN include its flexible application framework, which allows for customization to suit a wide range of applications and computing environments, including variations in CPU and RAM. The software supports the easy integration of domain-specific reasoning modules, which can be utilized for tasks such as navigation and orbit determination. This modularity enhances the software's adaptability to different operational needs.
The document outlines several improvements made in ASPEN Version 3.0 compared to previous versions and similar software applications. Notable enhancements include more expressive generic timeline values, new capabilities for parsing XML ASPEN language, improved search functionalities, and better interfaces with other utilities, including MATLAB. These advancements aim to streamline the automation of complex reasoning tasks across various domains, such as logistics, supply chain management, inventory management, personnel scheduling, and manufacturing.
The abstract provided in the document emphasizes ASPEN's role as a solution for batch problems involving planning and scheduling, highlighting its focus on reasoning about time, state, and resources. The software is positioned as a valuable tool for both aerospace-related developments and broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
Additionally, the document includes information on how to access further assistance and resources related to NASA's research and technology initiatives. It provides contact details for the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office, where users can find additional publications and support.
Overall, the Technical Support Package serves as a comprehensive guide to ASPEN Version 3.0, detailing its capabilities, improvements, and potential applications, while also emphasizing the importance of compliance with U.S. export regulations and the proprietary nature of the information contained within.
