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NASA NTRS2024

Architectural Framework for Conceptualizing Exploration Class Medical Operations

Currently, discrete projects within NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP) take aim at providing future exploration missions with the capabilities necessary to operate within a progressively Earth-independent operative environment. Realizing an entire ecosystem that can accomplish these goals requires a clear visualization on how each project contributes to the overall objectives of Human Health and Performance (HH&P) in that context. The Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element has developed an architectural framework for exploration class medical operations by utilizing a systems engineering approach using model-based systems engineering (MBSE). This model, a System of Systems Architecture (SoSA), captures a means of integrating various independent but related efforts into a comprehensive view associated with HRP’s goal of providing progressively Earth-Independent Medical Operations (EIMO). This level of visibility is realized by identifying interfaces between development efforts and existing programs that contribute to the overall mission of EIMO even if those extend past the traditional boundary of HRP. Potential interfaces that are considered important when constructing an architecture include program/project Needs, Goals, and Objectives (NGOs), capabilities, envisioned use cases/scenarios, and system/subsystem structure. This presentation will focus on the processes that were used to generate the SoSA along with a means to realize its utility amongst other MBSE products from ExMC. Evaluation of the best architecture moving forward can then be achieved that promotes cohesion between various functional areas of HH&P. Additionally, the SoSA is developed with a long-term vision for the dynamic integration of novel technological developments that may be implemented in the future. The SoSA is intended to enable Stakeholders the ability to view the broader interconnections that exist and begin to create avenues of communication between various efforts. The benefits of a SoSA provide an essential step towards addressing the unique challenges of attaining the goals of broader exploration class medical missions of the future.

Systems engineering↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Architectural Framework for Conceptualizing Exploration Class Medical Operations

Currently, discrete projects within NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP) take aim at providing future exploration missions with the capabilities necessary to operate within a progressively Earth-independent operative environment. Realizing an entire ecosystem that can accomplish these goals requires a clear visualization on how each project contributes to the overall objectives of Human Health and Performance (HH&P) in that context. The Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element has developed an architectural framework for exploration class medical operations by utilizing a systems engineering approach using model-based systems engineering (MBSE). This model, a System of Systems Architecture (SoSA), captures a means of integrating various independent but related efforts into a comprehensive view associated with HRP’s goal of providing progressively Earth-Independent Medical Operations (EIMO). This level of visibility is realized by identifying interfaces between development efforts and existing programs that contribute to the overall mission of EIMO even if those extend past the traditional boundary of HRP. Potential interfaces that are considered important when constructing an architecture include program/project Needs, Goals, and Objectives (NGOs), capabilities, envisioned use cases/scenarios, and system/subsystem structure. This presentation will focus on the processes that were used to generate the SoSA along with a means to realize its utility amongst other MBSE products from ExMC. Evaluation of the best architecture moving forward can then be achieved that promotes cohesion between various functional areas of HH&P. Additionally, the SoSA is developed with a long-term vision for the dynamic integration of novel technological developments that may be implemented in the future. The SoSA is intended to enable Stakeholders the ability to view the broader interconnections that exist and begin to create avenues of communication between various efforts. The benefits of a SoSA provide an essential step towards addressing the unique challenges of attaining the goals of broader exploration class medical missions of the future.

Systems engineering↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

ExMC Digital Engineering

Future missions beyond Artemis II will become increasingly complex as multiple vehicles (e.g., Gateway, Human Landing System (HLS), and Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program (EHP)), each having their own Program requirements and other associated documentation, which will need to be integrated into a single mission. Currently, the Human Health and Performance Directorate (HHPD)Program Support Teams mostly use documents to manage, perform, and archive their analyses. Identifying an opportunity for efficiency, ExMC demonstrated the ability to utilize MagicDraw, a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tool, as a requirements database with traceability, dependencies, and relationships in one place. Rather than existing in documents, emails, and historical knowledge, ExMC pursued a Digital Engineering (DE) effort in coordination with HHPD by combining MBSE tools with other digital platforms to manage and develop user-defined databases and interfaces. This DE approach is aimed to simplify processes and reduce risk through the unification of requirements into a centralized digital network, improving collaboration, decision-making, and transparency compared to isolated documents and knowledge. However, manipulating data views and content in MagicDraw requires a steep learning curve not needed by all users and even the user-friendly web view comes with downsides due to the static views. To provide a more dynamic user interface, ExMC investigated the use of Microsoft Power Platform which does not require as steep of a learning curve to become proficient. This introduces analytics to the DE infrastructure, offering customizable and dynamic data dashboards. ExMC continues developing these dashboards and tailoring the DE infrastructure in alignment with HHPD workforce needs.

M Krihak↗