The SEE HLA Starter Kit: enabling the rapid prototyping of HLA-based simulations for space exploration

Modeling & Simulation (M&S) is nowadays considered a pillar of modern engineering. Indeed, the analysis of several systems, processes and physical phenomena is only practicable by developing simulation models and executing them on suitable computing systems. New M&S techniques, methods and tools are emerging that take advantage of distributed simulation environments. One of the most mature and popular standard for distributed simulation is the IEEE 1516-2010 - High Level Architecture (HLA) that, although originally developed for military applications, is increasingly exploited in a great variety of application domains due to its capabilities to enable the interoperability and reusability of distributed simulation components. Today, the development of fullfledged simulation models, based on the IEEE 1516 standard, is still a challenging task because it requires a considerable effort in terms of both time and cost. In this context, the paper presents a software development kit that aims at easing the development of HLA-based simulations in the space exploration domain. The effectiveness of the Kit is proven by its concrete exploitation in the context of the Simulation Exploration Experience (SEE), a project led by NASA and which involves as partners several U.S. and European Institutions.