This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the complex decision-making processes inherent in space engineering (SE) projects, focusing on the analysis, modeling, and optimization of these challenges. As SE projects evolve, they demand innovative solutions to balance mission viability, safety, technical feasibility, and cost-efficiency, all while addressing environmental concerns and the intricacies of international collaboration.

The chapters cover a range of critical topics, including the optimization of mission resources, interplanetary explorations, and the integration of environmental constraints into mission planning. Contributions from leading experts in the field offer insights into the latest advancements in computational modeling and optimization techniques, making this volume an essential resource for understanding the multifaceted nature of SE projects. Readers will encounter detailed case studies and practical applications that illustrate the real-world challenges and solutions in SE.

This book is an invaluable resource for researchers and practitioners in space engineering, as well as aerospace engineering graduate and postgraduate students. It offers a deep dive into the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of SE, providing a solid reference for those looking to extend these methodologies to other fields. Managers and decision-makers in aerospace and related industries will also find the insights presented here crucial for navigating the future of space exploration.

Giorgio Fasano is a researcher and practitioner at Thales Alenia Space, with decades of experience in the field of optimization and a broad range of space engineering applications. He holds a M.Sc. degree in Mathematics. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA, UK), with the designation of Chartered Mathematician; he is also a Chartered Scientist (Science Council, UK). His interests include mathematical modeling, operations research, mixed integer programming, global optimization, and optimal control with applications. He is the author of Solving Non-standard Packing Problems by Global Optimization and Heuristics (Springer, 2014); and co-editor of Operations Research in Space and Air (Ciriani et al., Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2003), as well as six other books co-edited with Pintér. He also authored numerous peer-reviewed research articles.

János D. Pintér is a researcher, educator, and practitioner with decades of experience in analytics, specializing in model, algorithm and software development for nonlinear optimization. He holds M.Sc. (Operations Research), Ph.D. (Stochastic Optimization), and D.Sc. (Global Optimization) degrees in Mathematics. He has authored and edited twelve books (including six books co-edited with Fasano), including the award-winning monograph Global Optimization in Action (Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1996). He is also the author / co-author of more than 200 book chapters, journal articles, and other technical publications. He has been a member and officer of international professional organizations including the societies CORS, EUROPT, HORS, and INFORMS. He also has been serving / serves on the editorial board of international professional journals. At Rutgers University, he teaches topics related to business analytics, model development, and optimization.