Multi criteria analysis of performance evaluation of launch vehicles in the space industry

The new space is more of a commercialising business to create a competitive environment to ensure cost-effective access to space. To be competitive and cost effective, the industry must establish a set of parameters for performance evaluation, which assists the industry in identifying internal strengths and weaknesses for developing appropriate strategic plans. The aim of this study is to prioritise the criterion for performance evaluation of launch vehicles in the space industry using multi criteria analysis (MCA). The performance is assessed using analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and combined AHP - technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The current study through literature review and discussion with subject experts identifies cost, quality, responsiveness, propellant management, configuration, and competence with 18 indicators as sub-criteria for performance evaluation. A numerical case study is presented to identify the best launch vehicle from the selected list of seven heavy lift launch vehicles. This research work also compares the AHP and AHP-TOPSIS results for successful evaluation of launch vehicle based on performance parameters. This methodology helps researchers and decision-makers to better understand the operational performance of launch vehicles in the space industry.