How is modularity, in particular, applied to a space supply chain?
Modularity is mainly provided by the flexibility of docking various elements together. Experiments have been conducted by a group of MIT researchers as part of our project on applying RFID in remote and extreme environments. NASA also has initiatives along the same lines to track the inventory at the ISS. Many of the established concepts in commercial supply chains are applicable to the interplanetary supply-chain management, and perhaps even more critical the further one moves away from Earth. Eventually, returns on investment might be reaped on Earth as well for supply chains in non-traditional, dynamic and even partially chaotic situations such as military campaigns, humanitarian relief or disaster management. With Simchi-Levi, professor Diego Klabjan of the University of Illinois is a major developer of the space research being done. Their work is based upon the research and tools of the Institute for Operations Research and Management.
