The space logistics research and practice primarily focus on the modeling and management of the astro-logistics supply chain from Earth and on to destinations throughout the solar system as well as the system architecture strategies to minimize both logistics requirements and operational costs of human and robotic operations in space.
I hope the discussions bring about a better understanding of the fact that logistics support is a major portion of most large development projects.
[4][5] By 2005, analysts recognized the coming opportunity for the national governments involved with the Space Shuttle program to reduce costs by acquiring cargo transportation logistics services commercially following completion of the construction phase of the International Space Station,[4] then expected by 2010.
[12] Downmass logistics are important aspects of research and manufacturing work that occurs in orbital space facilities.
For example, for approximately ten months from the time of the retirement of the Space Shuttle following the STS-135 mission in July 2011—and the resultant loss of the Space Shuttle's ability to return payload mass—an increasing concern became returning downmass cargo from low Earth orbit to Earth for subsequent use or analysis.