A Systems Engineering Process for the Development of Analog Missions for the Vision for Space Exploration

Abstract

Throughout human exploration of space, analog missions have proven to be a critical aspect in reducing risk while increasing technical and operational experience. In light of the new goals associated with the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE), the prior processes and procedures for analog missions are not adequate to meet the objectives of the VSE. To solve this problem, previous analog work was analyzed to uncover gaps in the current system of creating and running analog missions. Then, a Systems Engineering approach to the design process of analogs was created, which includes outlining the analog, documenting it in NASA's Analogs Database, using checklists to ensure all elements of the analog are being considered, and creating a quantitative trade study with consistent metrics. A trade study can be used to compare the fidelity of analog missions and to ensure that the analog missions closely match the actual spaceflight mission. Overall, the Systems Engineering approach can be applied to analog missions so that the analog missions meet the objectives of the Vision for Space Exploration through high fidelity, consistency, and collaboration.

Misiones análogas espaciales como investigación para el desarrollo de ciencia y tecnología en la Fuerza Aérea Colombiana

“…En el campo de la exploración científica en temas espaciales, llevar a cabo misiones que involucren a tripulaciones humanas ha sido un desafío por todos los aspectos que implica. Por eso, es necesario realizar una preparación rigurosa antes de una misión análoga espacial, la cual requiere no solo la prueba de equipos, sino también enfrentar a las tripulaciones a un ambiente hostil que permita el manejo y la mitigación de diferentes tipos de emergencias (Deems y Baroff, 2008). Adicionalmente, se debe realizar una gran cantidad de planificación, pruebas y desarrollos tecnológicos de acuerdo con las recomendaciones suministradas por la nasa (2011b).…”

Validation, Demonstration and Testing

“…They continue developing analog missions that are aligned with new space exploration roadmaps. An overview of past and present simulators and simulation missions is given below (Deems and Baroff 2008;Mohanty et al 2008).…”

A Mission Control Architecture for robotic lunar sample return as field tested in an analogue deployment to the sudbury impact structure

“…NASA and other space agencies have acknowledged the usefulness of analogue activities since the Apollo era to prepare for space missions (Deems and Baroff, 2008;Léveillé, 2009). Analogue missions can be broadly defined as an integrated set of space exploration activities, conducted by a team, at a site which simulates multiple environmental conditions of a planetary target and results in an understanding of system level interactions.…”

“…Activities encompassed within analogue missions include three different categories: scientific, technological, and operational (Deems and Baroff, 2008;Snook and Mendell, 2004). This paper focuses on the latter, and describes a Mission Control Architecture that was developed for a Robotic-Only Lunar Sample Return Mission.…”