Human Systems Integration Division @ NASA Ames

Historically, the monitoring and management of spacecraft health and status has been primarily managed from Mission Control Center (MCC) on Earth (Valinia, 2022). Programs such as Apollo, the Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station (ISS) have relied on a safety infrastructure of ground-based experts with access to real-time telemetry data, broad and deep systems expertise, and powerful analytical and computing capabilities. The ground team monitors and manages the vehicle's health in real-time and quickly responds to emergencies and system failures. Ground operators also provide real-time oversight and guidance to flight crewmembers, especially during complex procedure execution and high-risk activities like extra-vehicular activities (EVAs).

This operational paradigm, in place for over 60 years, faces challenges with future long duration exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Crewed lunar and deep-space missions will encounter communication latencies that prohibit real-time operational and medical support. Additionally, these missions will have infrequent resupply opportunities and a diminished capacity to evacuate or rescue crewmembers. Consequently, astronauts will need to operate more autonomously, adeptly managing the vehicle’s state, responding to time-critical events, and executing complex procedures, without the safety net of real-time support on Earth.