Upgrade of the Space
Shuttle Cockpit
Improving the human
factors aspects of the Space Shuttle cockpit displays
Summary
The cockpit of the Space Shuttle is
being substantially upgraded. In the original cockpit, astronauts obtained much
of their information from mechanical gauges and CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays,
as shown in the left-hand figure. In the updated cockpit, many of the gauges are
being replaced by liquid crystal displays (LCDs), as shown in the right-hand figure.
The updated display technology is called the Multifunction Electronic Display
System (MEDS). Each of the three space shuttle orbiters is being upgraded with
MEDS.
The displays of MEDS have lower
weight and require less power than conventional CRT displays. An added benefit
is that the text and graphical information on the displays can be modified to
improve the situational awareness of the astronauts. Because the displays are
computer driven, they can have a wide range of graphics, colors, and text. Scientists
at NASA Ames Research Center are collaborating with astronauts, engineers, and
others at NASA Johnson Space Center to design the displays in the updated Space
Shuttle cockpit.
