Operating a spacecraft is a complex and demanding task that requires years of training and constant monitoring of both navigation and systems parameters. By examining differences in scanning between “expert” and “novice” operators, we can develop cognitive models of scanning behavior or enhance training. In the Intelligent Spacecraft Interface Systems (ISIS) laboratory, we measure eye movements and record performance parameters in a part-task space shuttle cockpit simulator. We trained airline transport pilots (as our “novice” group) on fundamentals of flying an ascent (”launch-to-orbit”) in the space shuttle. We tested three levels of malfunctions occurring during a trial—none (nominal), one malfunction, or three malfunctions—on both pilots and astronauts (our “expert” group). Astronauts had fewer errors and faster reaction times. Eye movement analyses showed that both astronauts and pilots similarly modified their scan strategies depending on the flight segment and how many malfunctions occurred during a trial.
The next generation Crew Exploration Vehicle is planned to employ Integrated Systems Health Management (ISHM) technology to enhance crew safety and improve onboard operations. For example, the ISHM could assist crewmembers with real-time fault management operations by automatically identifying the root cause of complex system malfunctions. However, to implement such a system, several human-factors issues have to be addressed. For instance, human-machine functional allocations have to be made and supporting crew interfaces designed and evaluated. The paper describes a concept for crew-ISHM interactions called the Fault Management Support System (FAMSS) that addresses these humanfactors issues. Simulator experiment results showed that a simulated FAMSS interface improved operators' situation awareness and fault-management performance while decreasing fault-management workload.
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