From Terrestrial to Space Logistics: A Transfer Framework for Facility Location Artifacts

This paper proposes a structured framework for transferring terrestrial logistics artifacts to space logistics in multi-actor settings. The framework specifies how to adapt artifacts to achieve technical fit under space-mission constraints and characterizes the strategic dynamics through which actors respond once a new artifact is introduced. It combines design-science theory, a systematic comparison of terrestrial and space logistics, and game-theoretic analysis. Drawing on engineering design theory, the framework distinguishes four artifact types and identifies four classes of barriers that arise when mapping a terrestrial artifact domain to a space problem domain. It couples engineering design and strategic decisions in a bi-level formulation: an upper-level strategic game models equilibrium adoption outcomes for the adapted artifact, and a lower-level design optimization problem evaluates its technical performance under those strategies. This coupling supports synthetic design studies with realistic strategic dynamics, enables assessment of adoption viability, and guides systematic refinement of artifact adaptations. A lunar facility-location case illustrates the framework and offers a replicable pathway for adapting terrestrial artifacts to future space-logistics missions.