Shuttle Crew Scheduling

In 1997, Fatigue Countermeasures Program researchers were requested to provide input to a revision of the policy for work/rest scheduling of Space Shuttle crews (Appendix K of the Space Shuttle Crew Procedures Management Plan [Crew Scheduling Constraints]). The FCP provided written input (Recommended Principles and Guidelines for Crew Scheduling). The document recommended principles and guidelines for crew scheduling that incorporated the latest scientific information on sleep, circadian factors, human performance, and fatigue. It included (1) background scientific information that provided the foundation for the recommendations, (2) specific principles and guidelines for sleep requirements and for sleep/circadian shifting, and (3) recommendations on related issues. These guidelines represented a departure from customary thinking in that they were based explicitly on scientific knowledge regarding sleep and the circadian pacemaker, while remaining responsive to operational constraints.

Last Update: March 14, 2000