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A Simulation Based Investigation of High Latency Space Systems OperationsThis study was the first in a series of planned tests to use physics-based subsystem simulations to investigate the interactions between a spacecraft's crew and a ground-based mission control center for vehicle subsystem operations across long communication delays. The simulation models the life support system of a deep space habitat. It contains models of an environmental control and life support system, an electrical power system, an active thermal control systems, and crew metabolic functions. The simulation has three interfaces: 1) a real-time crew interface that can be use to monitor and control the subsystems; 2) a mission control center interface with data transport delays up to 15 minute each way; and 3) a real-time simulation test conductor interface used to insert subsystem malfunctions and observe the interactions between the crew, ground, and simulated vehicle. The study was conducted at the 21st NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) mission. The NEEMO crew and ground support team performed a number of relevant deep space mission scenarios that included both nominal activities and activities with system malfunctions. While this initial test sequence was focused on test infrastructure and procedures development, the data collected in the study already indicate that long communication delays have notable impacts on the operation of deep space systems. For future human missions beyond cis-lunar, NASA will need to design systems and support tools to meet these challenges. These will be used to train the crew to handle critical malfunctions on their own, to predict malfunctions and assist with vehicle operations. Subsequent more detailed and involved studies will be conducted to continue advancing NASA's understanding of space systems operations across long communications delays.
Document ID
20160012731
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Li, Zu Qun
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Moore, Michael
(CACI International, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Bielski, Paul
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Crues, Edwin Z.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
October 28, 2016
Publication Date
March 4, 2017
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-37700
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2017 IEEE Aerospace Conference
Location: Big Sky, MT
Country: United States
Start Date: March 4, 2017
End Date: March 11, 2017
Sponsors: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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