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At least 199 records · Page 11

Vector Quantization With Emergent Codebook Structure

Proposed scheme under development for transmission of vector-quantized digital video images, vector quantizer codebook updated to adapt quantizer to changing signal statistics. Intended to be realized with electronic neural network. Codebook, which consists of patterns constituting video images, will undergo training during operation and scheme will develop codebooks ordered during training. System enables coding more compact, more immune to noise, and supports variable rate compression.

Ahalt, Stanley C.↗

Aura to Exit the A-Train? Aura Extended Mission Operations Concept

This presentation provides the future plans for the Earth Observing System (EOS) Aura satellite to the Aura Science Team community. It provides a summary of predictions for future fuel usage, maneuver schemes, and changes to the orbit parameters through the end of mission.

Aura Extended Mission Operations Concept↗

Space Flight Resource Management for ISS Operations

Although the astronaut training flow for the International Space Station (ISS) spans 2 years, each astronaut or cosmonaut often spends most of their training alone. Rarely is it operationally feasible for all six ISS crewmembers to train together, even more unlikely that crewmembers can practice living together before launch. Likewise, ISS Flight Controller training spans 18 months of learning to manage incredibly complex systems remotely in plug-and-play ground teams that have little to no exposure to crewmembers before a mission. How then do all of these people quickly become a team - a team that must respond flexibly yet decisively to a variety of situations? The answer implemented at NASA is Space Flight Resource Management (SFRM), the so-called "soft skills" or team performance skills. Based on Crew Resource Management, SFRM was developed first for shuttle astronauts and focused on managing human errors during time-critical events (Rogers, et al. 2002). Given the nature of life on ISS, the scope of SFRM for ISS broadened to include teamwork during prolonged and routine operations (O'Keefe, 2008). The ISS SFRM model resembles a star with one competency for each point: Communication, Cross-Culture, Teamwork, Decision Making, Team Care, Leadership/Followership, Conflict Management, and Situation Awareness. These eight competencies were developed with international participation by the Human Behavior and Performance Training Working Group. Over the last two years, these competencies have been used to build a multi-modal SFRM training flow for astronaut candidates and flight controllers that integrates team performance skills into the practice of technical skills. Preliminary results show trainee skill increases as the flow progresses; and participants find the training invaluable to performing well and staying healthy during ISS operations. Future development of SFRM training will aim to help support indirect handovers as ISS operations evolve further with the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program.

Schmidt, Lacey L.↗

Training for Long-Duration Space Missions: A Literature Review into Skill Retention and Generalizability

In long-duration space missions, skill retention and generalizability become ever more important as mission length increases, for it is through these capabilities that astronaut crews achieve autonomy. A framework is proposed for future research based on three types of training commonly found in operational scenarios: initial training, refresher training, and just-in-time training. One of the key points of interest identified from the body of literature is the need for a structured and quantifiable approach to characterize skill decay. Such an approach would allow gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which skill decay operates. Because simulators are used extensively in all types of training, the effects of simulator fidelity on skill retention and generalizability are paramount to understand. Some common fidelity types are defined and their effects on the human operator are discussed. From a review of the literature on all these topics, several research gaps were identified that led to three key opportunities for future research: (1) developing skill decay functions provides theoretical insights into skill decay and allows for several practical applications, such as planning refresher training, (2) the effects of simulator fidelity on skill decay functions should be investigated empirically, and (3) investigating the generalizability of skills learned in initial training to other tasks could provide space crews with greater autonomy. A cybernetic approach might give new insights.

training↗

Training for Long-Duration Space Missions: A Literature Review into Skill Retention and Generalizatility

In long-duration space missions, skill retention and generalizability become ever more important as mission length increases, for it is through these capabilities that astronaut crews achieve autonomy. A framework is proposed for future research based on three types of training commonly found in operational scenarios: initial training, refresher training, and just-in-time training. One of the key points of interest identified from the body of literature is the need for a structured and quantifiable approach to characterize skill decay. Such an approach would allow gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which skill decay operates. Because simulators are used extensively in all types of training, the effects of simulator fidelity on skill retention and generalizability are paramount to understand. Some common fidelity types are defined and their effects on the human operator are discussed. From a review of the literature on all these topics, several research gaps were identified that led to three key opportunities for future research: (1) developing skill decay functions provides theoretical insights into skill decay and allows for several practical applications, such as planning refresher training, (2) the effects of simulator fidelity on skill decay functions should be investigated empirically, and (3) investigating the generalizability of skills learned in initial training to other tasks could provide space crews with greater autonomy. A cybernetic approach might give new insights.

Pieters, Marc A.↗

Robonaut 2 and You: Specifying and Executing Complex Operations

Crew time is a precious resource due to the expense of trained human operators in space. Efficient caretaker robots could lessen the manual labor load required by frequent vehicular and life support maintenance tasks, freeing astronaut time for scientific mission objectives. Humanoid robots can fluidly exist alongside human counterparts due to their form, but they are complex and high-dimensional platforms. This paper describes a system that human operators can use to maneuver Robonaut 2 (R2), a dexterous humanoid robot developed by NASA to research co-robotic applications. The system includes a specification of constraints used to describe operations, and the supporting planning framework that solves constrained problems on R2 at interactive speeds. The paper is developed in reference to an illustrative, typical example of an operation R2 performs to highlight the challenges inherent to the problems R2 must face. Finally, the interface and planner is validated through a case-study using the guiding example on the physical robot in a simulated microgravity environment. This work reveals the complexity of employing humanoid caretaker robots and suggest solutions that are broadly applicable.

Baker, William↗

Graphic overlays in high-precision teleoperation: Current and future work at JPL

In space teleoperation additional problems arise, including signal transmission time delays. These can greatly reduce operator performance. Recent advances in graphics open new possibilities for addressing these and other problems. Currently a multi-camera system with normal 3-D TV and video graphics capabilities is being developed. Trained and untrained operators will be tested for high precision performance using two force reflecting hand controllers and a voice recognition system to control two robot arms and up to 5 movable stereo or non-stereo TV cameras. A number of new techniques of integrating TV and video graphics displays to improve operator training and performance in teleoperation and supervised automation are evaluated.

Diner, Daniel B.↗

The Final Count Down: A Review of Three Decades of Flight Controller Training Methods for Space Shuttle Mission Operations

Operations of human spaceflight systems is extremely complex, therefore the training and certification of operations personnel is a critical piece of ensuring mission success. Mission Control Center (MCC-H), at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas manages mission operations for the Space Shuttle Program, including the training and certification of the astronauts and flight control teams. As the space shuttle program ends in 2011, a review of how training for STS-1 was conducted compared to STS-134 will show multiple changes in training of shuttle flight controller over a thirty year period. This paper will additionally give an overview of a flight control team s makeup and responsibilities during a flight, and details on how those teams have been trained certified over the life span of the space shuttle. The training methods for developing flight controllers have evolved significantly over the last thirty years, while the core goals and competencies have remained the same. In addition, the facilities and tools used in the control center have evolved. These changes have been driven by many factors including lessons learned, technology, shuttle accidents, shifts in risk posture, and generational differences. A primary method used for training Space Shuttle flight control teams is by running mission simulations of the orbit, ascent, and entry phases, to truly "train like you fly." The reader will learn what it is like to perform a simulation as a shuttle flight controller. Finally, the paper will reflect on the lessons learned in training for the shuttle program, and how those could be applied to future human spaceflight endeavors.

Dittemore, Gary D.↗

Space shuttle/mesoscale lightning experiment

A payload integration plan (PIP) is now being developed with Johnson Space Center integration personnel which covers management, structural thermal, electrical power/avionics, training, ground operations, safety requirements, etc., in support of this experiment. If a Shuttle flight can be identified, researchers hope to conduct the experiment in the late summer or fall of 1985. Some preliminary TV lightning data has been collected by Shuttle crews on 41D and 51D and researchers are doing an analysis of it. Additional flights will be conducted to obtain data on Mesoscale Lightning Observations. Researchers will continue to study how to improve the data collection using the onboard TV cameras. By more interaction with the crews who have used the TV camera to obtain TV of lightning, they are planning to optimize the crew time and have better TV camera operations management to produce more useful data. As the crews are better trained in the use of the gain control settings and/or camera iris operations, the quality of the TV data will be improved.

Vaughan, O. H., Jr.↗

Alertness Management In Flight Operations: A NASA Education and Training Module

Since 1980, the NASA Ames Fatigue Countermeasures Program has been conducting research on sleep, circadian rhythms, and fatigue in a variety of flight operations 1. An original goal of the program was to return the scientific and operational knowledge to the aviation industry. To meet this goal, the NASA Ames Fatigue Countermeasures Program has created an Education and Training Module entitled, "Strategies for Alertness Management in Flight Operations." The Module was designed to meet three objectives: 1) explain the current state of knowledge about the physiological mechanisms underlying fatigue, 2) demonstrate how this knowledge can be applied to improve flight crew sleep, performance, and alertness, and 3) offer countermeasure recommendations. The Module is composed of two components: 1) a 60-minute live presentation provided by a knowledgeable individual and 2) a NASA/FAA Technical Memorandum (TM) that contains the presentation materials and appendices with complementary information. The TM is provided to all individuals attending the live presentation. The Module content is divided into three parts: 1) basic information on sleep, sleepiness, circadian rhythms, fatigue, and how flight operations affect these physiological factors, 2) common misconceptions about sleep, sleepiness, and fatigue, and 3) alertness management strategies. The Module is intended for pilots, management personnel, schedulers, flight attendants, and the many other individuals involved in the aviation system.

Rosekind, Mark R.↗

Human Factors in Training

Future space missions will be significantly longer than current shuttle missions and new systems will be more complex than current systems. Increasing communication delays between crews and Earth-based support means that astronauts need to be prepared to handle the unexpected on their own. As crews become more autonomous, their potential span of control and required expertise must grow to match their autonomy. It is not possible to train for every eventuality ahead of time on the ground, or to maintain trained skills across long intervals of disuse. To adequately prepare NASA personnel for these challenges, new training approaches, methodologies, and tools are required. This research project aims at developing these training capabilities. By researching established training principles, examining future needs, and by using current practices in space flight training as test beds, both in Flight Controller and Crew Medical domains, this research project is mitigating program risks and generating templates and requirements to meet future training needs. Training efforts in Fiscal Year 08 (FY08) strongly focused on crew medical training, but also began exploring how Space Flight Resource Management training for Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) Flight Controllers could be integrated with systems training for optimal Mission Control Center (MCC) operations. The Training Task addresses Program risks that lie at the intersection of the following three risks identified by the Project: (1) Risk associated with poor task design (2) Risk of error due to inadequate information (3) Risk associated with reduced safety and efficiency due to poor human factors design

Barshi, Immanuel↗

Human Factors in Training

Future space missions will be significantly longer than current shuttle missions and new systems will be more complex than current systems. Increasing communication delays between crews and Earth-based support means that astronauts need to be prepared to handle the unexpected on their own. As crews become more autonomous, their potential span of control and required expertise must grow to match their autonomy. It is not possible to train for every eventuality ahead of time on the ground, or to maintain trained skills across long intervals of disuse. To adequately prepare NASA personnel for these challenges, new training approaches, methodologies, and tools are required. This research project aims at developing these training capabilities. By researching established training principles, examining future needs, and by using current practices in space flight training as test beds, both in Flight Controller and Crew Medical domains, this research project is mitigating program risks and generating templates and requirements to meet future training needs. Training efforts in Fiscal Year 09 (FY09) strongly focused on crew medical training, but also began exploring how Space Flight Resource Management training for Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) Flight Controllers could be integrated with systems training for optimal Mission Control Center (MCC) operations. The Training Task addresses Program risks that lie at the intersection of the following three risks identified by the Project: 1) Risk associated with poor task design; 2) Risk of error due to inadequate information; and 3) Risk associated with reduced safety and efficiency due to poor human factors design.

Barshi, Immanuel↗

Portable Virtual Training Units

The Mission Operations Lab initiated a project to design, develop, deliver, test, and validate a unique training system for astronaut and ground support personnel. In an effort to keep training costs low, virtual training units (VTUs) have been designed based on images of actual hardware and manipulated by a touch screen style interface for ground support personnel training. This project helped modernized the training system and materials by integrating them with mobile devices for training when operators or crew are unavailable to physically train in the facility. This project also tested the concept of a handheld remote device to control integrated trainers using International Space Station (ISS) training simulators as a platform. The portable VTU can interface with the full-sized VTU, allowing a trainer co-located with a trainee to remotely manipulate a VTU and evaluate a trainee's response. This project helped determine if it is useful, cost effective, and beneficial for the instructor to have a portable handheld device to control the behavior of the models during training. This project has advanced NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC's) VTU capabilities with modern and relevant technology to support space flight training needs of today and tomorrow.

Malone, Reagan↗

Analysis of the potential application of the Davenport/Short information technology model to a research and development organization

Part of the role of the Mission Operations Lab is the development of budget inputs for Huntsville Operations/Payload Crew Training Center/Payload Operations Control Center (HOSC/PCTC/POCC) activity. These budget inputs are part of the formal Program Operating Plan (POP) process, which occurs twice yearly, and of the formal creation of the yearly operating plan. Both POPs and the operation plan serve the purpose of mapping out planned expenditures for the next fiscal year and for a number of outlying years. Based on these plans, the various Project Offices at the Center fund the HOSC/PCTC/POCC activity. Because of Mission Operations Lab's role in budget development, some of the Project Offices have begun looking to Mission Operations, and specifically the EO02 branch, to track expenditures and explain/justify any deviations from plans. EO02 has encountered difficulties acquiring the necessary information to perform this function. It appears that the necessary linkages with other units had not been fully developed and integrated with the flow of information in budget implementation. The purpose of this study is to document the budget process from the point of view of EO02 and to identify the steps necessary for it to effectively perform this role on a continuous basis.

Decker, Deron R.↗