propulsion trade studies

Propulsion trade studies involve evaluating different engine or propulsion system options to determine the best choice for a specific application, such as a spacecraft or aircraft. This process compares factors like cost, efficiency, thrust, reliability, and environmental impact. By analyzing these trade-offs, engineers can select the propulsion system that offers the optimal balance between performance and practicality, ensuring the designed vehicle meets mission goals within budget and technical constraints. Essentially, it's a systematic decision-making process to find the most suitable propulsion solution among various alternatives.