This investigation proposes a Task-Design Framework, which describes the relationship between human capabilities, the task design, and their performance. Validating such a framework, however, remains a challenge. With recent advances in wearable technologies, biometric sensors are now widely available, easy to use and fairly unobtrusive. These sensors provide an opportunity to measure and monitor a subset of astronaut health and performance indicators non-invasively. This work is aimed at systematically identifying a process that could be used to validate the task-design framework through a series of experimental task scenarios where task performance is tracked with measures such as speed and accuracy of task execution as well as changes to human capabilities using biometric sensing as an inference for task performance.
Crew performance is highly dependent on spacecraft design and operational interactions and influenced by various spaceflight environmental parameters. Current human space mission design processes are challenged to include the full range of impacts on crew performance prediction, either positive or negative, which can affect the accuracy in analysis of safety-critical tasks and overall operation of the system. The purpose of this study is to present a framework that integrates design assessment and operational efficiency factors with three composite crew performance metrics intended to provide a more human-centric methodology for evaluating spacecraft design options. To develop such a framework, a systematic approach was first taken to identify, categorize, and organize terms associated with crew performance. Performance measurement techniques and implementation philosophies were assessed from analogous industries to gain insight from the broader, terrestrial knowledge base. Various terms, definitions, and methods from this context were aggregated into the proposed spaceflight crew performance framework, as applicable. This framework is intended to be used as a guide for designers as a predictive means to assess how effectively the system accommodates and utilizes the crew through standardized performance feedback data.
Space is an unforgiving environment where the actions of the crew play a critical role in their health and safety. Given the limited number of crewmembers typically onboard a spacecraft and the multitude of complex systems they must operate, the performance of each individual is of paramount importance. Spacecraft habitat layout and operations are two main drivers affecting crew performance efficiency. Having the capability to analyze and compare crew performance across various spacecraft configurations can help identify improvements early in the conceptual design process where changes are less costly to implement, ultimately reducing overall project costs and improving long-term operations of the system. Currently, there are few comprehensive methods readily available for evaluating crew integration within a spacecraft in the conceptual design phase. In order to address this shortcoming, the goal of this work was to analyze various specialized evaluation methods found in analogous industries that have potential application to human spacecraft design. A survey of more than 400 human performance evaluation methods was completed. Over twenty different attributes were identified for each method and a variety of analyses were conducted to characterize and evaluate their potential use for assessing human spacecraft design options. The analysis revealed a particular deficiency of quantitative evaluation methods that are applicable early in the systems engineering design phase. It also identified five existing methods that could be supplemented to achieve the needs of an early design evaluation method. Additional discussion describes potential issues that must be overcome when developing a method specific for use in human spacecraft evaluations.
The term 'human-rated' is typically used to differentiate the increased safety requirements imposed on crewed spacecraft relative to unmanned satellites, including the launch vehicle as an integrated element. At a fundamental level, human-rating attempts to ensure the vehicle(s) and mission are designed to 'accommodate, protect, and utilize' the crew to the maximum extent possible, while also safeguarding ground personnel and uninvolved public. This definition drives life support needs, risk mitigation strategies, and vehicle and operational functionality, among other design requirements. The end result can generally be reduced to a single metricthe ability to accomplish the mission objectives with an acceptably low probability for Loss of Crew (LOC). Although this overarching goal may be well agreed upon, the means for achieving human-rating remain the subject of debate. This paper presents an overview of published literature and various NASA documents governing spacecraft human-rating, considers the relevance of analogies such as FAA airworthiness certification and housing certificates of occupancy, and offers a framework for further discussion of 'What does human-rating mean?' and 'How do we achieve it?'.
The Extraterrestrial Outpost (ExO) project presents a strategy to transition from a small, preliminary lunar outpost to a sustainable 30-person habitat. The outpost was designed around three main objectives that supported lunar geology, future space technology development, and commercial ventures on the Moon. A logistics and build-up plan are presented that detail when each of the habitat modules and support equipment will arrive at the Moon as well as the number of launches required to get the outpost equipment there. In Situ Resource Utilization was investigated in order to use the available lunar resources to provide consumable water for the habitat and fuel for the ascent vehicle. In support of the ExO project, the ExO team built an interactive lunar habitat exhibit and a number of interactive activities for young children. The outreach event was held in conjunction with a solar eclipse watch party at the Folsom Field football stadium at the University of Colorado Boulder which broke a Guinness world record for highest attended eclipse viewing event. I. Background The purpose of the Extraterrestrial Outpost (ExO) project is to address and resolve some of the pressing issues that limit near-term lunar colony development. Permanent lunar colonies require significant funding, advanced technology, and a clear goal and timeline for development. Unfortunately, politics have a direct impact on a country's space exploration goals and budget. Due to the programmatic instability of government agencies, a nonprofit organization called Space Colony Developers (SCDev) will be formed to manage the ExO Project. SCDev will work with NASA, international space agencies, and commercial companies to develop the first permanent sustainable lunar outpost. ExO will serve as the next international platform for space science research and a test bed for space colonization. The purpose of SCDev is to generate an economic incentive for commercial companies to invest in and develop new markets on the Moon. Creating an economically sustainable market will allow government space agencies to reduce their funding contributions and spend more on future expansion into space. Several research papers have presented designs for small, preliminary bases and fully-developed, colonized outposts, 1,2,3,4 but insufficient research has been done examining the transition between the two. The ExO Project outlines a detailed logistics plan that describes the transition from a 4-person to a 30-person habitat. II. Mission Overview A. Objectives The ExO Project is driven by three main objectives: 1) To study the geology of the Moon 2) To develop a test bed to study future long-term habitation of space 3) To encourage commercialization of lunar activities. To achieve the stated goals, the outpost design includes facilities to study lunar geology, perform technology demonstrations, and foster commercial activity. Establishing clear objectives allowed for a focused design effort that narrowed several design options down to a realistically feasible outpost desig...
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