Conduct architecture-level trade studies and decision analysis. Use this skill to build trade matrices, define Figures of Merit, compare mission architectures, and document design decisions. Trigger for "trade study," "trade matrix," "Pugh matrix," "architecture selection," "Figure of Merit," or "design decision."
Read
CONVENTIONS.mdat the repo root before proceeding.
This skill supports the decision-making that happens before detailed analysis — choosing between mission architectures, subsystem approaches, or technology options using structured trade methodology.
Ask the user (if not already known):
Common criteria for space missions:
$S_{option} = \sum_{i} w_i \times s_i$
| Criterion | Weight | Option A | Score | Option B | Score | Option C | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 0.30 | Excellent | 5 | Good | 3 | Good | 3 |
| Mass | 0.20 | 85 kg | 4 | 120 kg | 2 | 95 kg | 3 |
| Cost | 0.25 | $15M | 3 | $8M | 5 | $12M | 4 |
| Risk (TRL) | 0.15 | TRL 6 | 3 | TRL 9 | 5 | TRL 4 | 2 |
| Heritage | 0.10 | Partial | 3 | Full | 5 | None | 1 |
| Weighted Total | — | — | 3.70 | — | 3.70 | — | 2.85 |
Reference trades that come up repeatedly:
trade_report.md): Decision question, options, criteria, weights, scoring matrix, sensitivity analysis, and recommendation with rationale./requirements/ (mission objectives and constraints), any existing /analysis/ outputs that inform the trade/analysis/trade-study-manager/