Training astronauts for scientific exploration on planetary surfaces: The ESA PANGAEA programme

Sauro, Francesco; Payler, Samuel J.; Massironi, Matteo; Pozzobon, Riccardo; Hiesinger, H.; Mangold, N.; Cockell, Charles S.; Martínez‐Frías, Jesús; Kullerud, Kåre; Turchi, Leonardo; Drozdovsky, I.; Bessone, Loredana

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.12.034

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…Space agencies are increasingly turning to such analogue field trials to inform the design of reliable solutions for lunar exploration [3,57,65]. For example, in 2019 ESA conducted a field campaign in the arid volcanic landscape of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands to evaluate several prototypical tools for the collection and storage of geological samples on the Moon's surface [76]. One of the tests, for instance, saw a team of experts compare the functionality and maneuverability of two alternative trolleys, seeking to find the optimal balance of properties [32].…”

Section: Classical Field Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In a bid to factor in such lunar conditions during design and development processes, engineering teams have typically resorted to experimental deployments and field studies of prototypes in analogue environments, such as large cave systems to approximate the poor lighting conditions on the Moon [77], or neutral buoyancy pools to simulate lunar gravity [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Using Virtual Reality to Shape Humanity’s Return to the Moon: Key Takeaways from a Design Study

Nilsson

Rometsch

Leonie

et al. 2023

Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems

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Revived interest in lunar exploration is heralding a new generation of design solutions in support of human operations on the Moon. While space system design has traditionally been guided by prototype deployments in analogue studies, the resource-intensive nature of this approach has largely precluded application of proficient user-centered design (UCD) methods from human-computer interaction (HCI). This paper explores possible use of Virtual Reality (VR) to simulate analogue studies in lab settings and thereby bring to bear UCD in this otherwise engineering-dominated field. Drawing on the ongoing development of the European Large Logistics Lander, we have recreated a prospective lunar operational scenario in VR and evaluated it with a group of astronauts and space experts (n=20). Our qualitative findings demonstrate the efficacy of VR in facilitating UCD, enabling efficient contextual inquiries and improving project team coordination. We conclude by proposing future directions to further exploit VR in lunar systems design. CCS CONCEPTS• Human-centered computing → Virtual reality; Human computer interaction (HCI).

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Section: Classical Field Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Virtual Reality to Shape Humanity’s Return to the Moon: Key Takeaways from a Design Study

Nilsson

Rometsch

Leonie

et al. 2023

Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems

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“…Significant focus is given to skills relevant to future field exploration, such as practical geological and geobiological field training, execution of self directed traverses in the field, ability to provide clear scientific descriptions of geological landscapes and features, and efficient documentation of sampling sites. For this reason, although minor portions of the course are taught in classrooms, most of the activities are in analogue geological environments, as done in the seventies during the preparation for the Apollo missions [1,2]. PANGAEA course integrates both geology and astrobiology (including planetary protection) enabling overlapping concepts and ideas to be explored thoroughly.…”

Section: Goals and Structurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In total, 10 astronauts from ESA, NASA and Roscosmos and additional 5 non-astronaut trainees including space engineers, EVA and operation specialists have attended the course. In this work we will summarise the course strategy, structure and lessons learned, but for a more detailed description the reader is referred to Sauro et al [1] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The ESA PANGAEA programme: training astronauts in field science

Massironi

2023

Materials Research Proceedings

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Abstract. PANGAEA (Planetary ANalogue Geological and Astrobiological Exercise for Astronauts) is a field training course designed by the European Space Agency (ESA) that, since 2016, has imparted to ESA and NASA astronauts, and Roscosmos cosmonauts the basic theoretical and practical knowledge of geology and astrobiology and trained them in the field. Hence developing independent field skills, including working with a remotely located science team, is a key part of the training. For this reason, classroom and field lessons are tightly interwoven so that the concepts introduced in the classroom are shown in the field soon afterwards. The primary field sites selected for the course are the Permo-Triassic sedimentary sequences in the Italian Dolomites, analogue to the Martian alluvial plains ones, the impact geological environment of the Ries Crater, Germany, a comprehensive suite of volcanic emplacements and deposits in Lanzarote, Spain, and the anorthosite outcrops, analogue to lunar highlands rocks, in Lofoten, Norway. Each site is used as a base to deliver the main learning sessions, respectively: 1) Earth geology, rock recognition and sedimentology on Earth and Mars, 2) Lunar geology and impact cratering, 3) volcanism on Earth, Moon, and Mars, and astrobiology 4) intrusive rocks and lunar primordial crustal evolution. The four sessions are designed to increase the trainees’ autonomy in the field up to autonomously executed geological traverses including sampling activities. Whilst PANGAEA’s primary focus is astronaut training, where appropriate, technologies being developed for future missions are used to evaluate their performances in analogue field envi-ronments and to train the astronauts in using technologies that might support future missions.

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A comprehensive review of lunar lava tube base construction and field research on a potential Earth test site

Feng,

Pan,

Tang

et al. 2024

International Journal of Mining Science and Technology

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Training astronauts for scientific exploration on planetary surfaces: The ESA PANGAEA programme

Cited by 6 publications

References 51 publications

Using Virtual Reality to Shape Humanity’s Return to the Moon: Key Takeaways from a Design Study

Using Virtual Reality to Shape Humanity’s Return to the Moon: Key Takeaways from a Design Study

The ESA PANGAEA programme: training astronauts in field science

A comprehensive review of lunar lava tube base construction and field research on a potential Earth test site

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