theme : space exploration strategies · 13th june 2013 - page 3 altec–pb–0021 issue 1 challenge...

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Theme : Space Exploration Strategies

SpaceOps 2013 Workshop

Analog Field Activities

Prepared by :

Ivano Musso

Ilenya Salvoni

13th June 2013

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ALTEC–PB–0021 Issue 1 13th June 2013 -

Summary Slide

- Introduction

- Analog Fields Campaign Concepts

- Example 1: The ESA CAFE Study

- Example 2: IRSPS and ALTEC Collaboration

- Example 3: Biomedicine on ISS

- Conclusions

- ALTEC Contacts

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Challenge of extensive and long duration planetary surface exploration requires

usage of complex science tools including analysis and interpretation of their

output data.

Compared to operations conducted so far (i.e. ISS, robotics and satellite

missions) it implies :

extensive training of non-expert operators

conduct complex science activities

take real-time autonomous decisions based on their results.

Targets/operators of such training are:

astronauts

ground Controllers

autonomous systems based on Artificial Intelligence

Introduction

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Test and training can be developed thought scientific research in analog

environments in order to :

gather requirements and develop the technologies necessary to ensure

an efficient, effective and sustainable future for human space exploration.

validate test robotics, vehicles, architecture concepts, communication

systems, in-situ resource utilization, human performance

gain a deeper understanding of system-wide technical and operational

challenges.

Introduction (2)

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The major considerations needed for a successful concept study and a

follow-on field activity are the following:

Clear science objectives

Environmental conditions to allow expected scenarios to occur

Technologies to facilitate the activities of the operators

Protocol and procedures development

Data collection to ensure post-analysis

Verification that requirements of the scientific community are met

Maximize the return to the public

Introduction (3)

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Why?

Analogs operations are conducted to validate technologies and

human performances in the field of space exploration.

Compared to the ISS operations, the astronauts shall be trained to

use proper instruments, collect samples and analyze results without

real-time supports from ground.

How? Operators will be asked to perform science operations and take

decisions without having a science background and real-time

external support.

Operations & training on Analogs

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Where?

Analogs fields shall be chosen in order to:

reproduce specific conditions and characteristics

better emulate the conditions met during planetary missions

taking into account the psychological constrains (e.g. segregation, distance).

Operations & training on Analogs (2)

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On the basis of ALTEC participation in research studies, three examples

have been considered:

ESA/The Open University CAFE Study: Train astronaut to conduct

geological and biological science activities on the surface of another

planet

IRSPS and ALTEC collaboration: Train on-board autonomous

systems and Ground Operators to execute autonomous robotic

missions to Mars

ISS Medicine: train astronauts to verify and analyze their medical

status during long space missions

Case Study

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Example 1: ESA CAFE Study - Introduction

“Concepts for Activities in the Field for Exploration" (CAFE) is funded by

ESA’s General Studies Programme (GSP)

under ESA Contract number 4000104716/11/NL/AF

The project is coordinated by:

The Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute,

The Open University, UK

The team is composed by:

Magna Parva Ltd

For the study of scientific tools and technologies

ALTEC S.p.A.

For the logistical aspects, astronaut communications and transportations.

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The main objectives of the CAFE study is :

“to prepare human space exploration related scientific field activities by

preparing a complete catalogue of relevant analogue environments and

providing scenarios and concepts for field campaigns in two high priority

analogues”

The aim of the study has been to prepare a catalogue of terrestrial analogue

environments studying scenarios, concepts and technologies for analog tests.

Team members:

ESA: Oliver Angerer [email protected]

OU: Louisa Preston [email protected]

Simeon Barber [email protected]

Magnaparva: Andrew Dixon [email protected]

Miles Ashcroft [email protected]

ESA CAFE Study – Introduction (2)

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The ALTEC’s role in the CAFE study has been:

provide an overview of the possible missions scenarios

study part of the technologies expected to be used during planetary

surface operations

select available tools can be used during analogue field activities.

Operations scenario

Main elements of a generic planetary manned mission are:

Basecamp: life support, repository and laboratory

Remote sensing satellite: panoramic terrain images, localization

Data relay system & satellite: local and ground communication links,

localization

Aerial platforms: accurate terrain images

Pressurized/unpressurized rovers: life support, samples catching,

transportation

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Example of Operations scenario

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Many wearable and on-board advanced technologies can be applied to

future astronaut space suites and rovers during manned missions, such as:

Localization: IMUs, wearable cameras, stereo cameras, radio-

localization

HMI: force feedback systems, head-up-display, speech recognition

Computing & Visualization: wearable PCs, RFID, touch-screens

Mission operations

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Sites Selection & Field Campaign Concept Many candidate sites have been investigated in terms of:

Location and legal considerations for conducting field campaigns

Weather/Climate characteristics and geological context

Physical and geochemical characteristics

Astrobiological characteristics

Accessibility, existing infrastructures, logistic, cost and scheduling

considerations

An Expert Meeting has been organized to collect inputs from science

community. It has been a vital step in providing important terrestrial analogue

sites information and high priority lunar and martian targets for exploration.

Logistics aspects have been considered in order to ranke the candidates from a

scientific point of view, feasibility and costs aspects.

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Provides analogue sites for Mars such as polygons; perennial spring

mineral deposits; salt deposits; valleys; areas for extremophile

studies.

Particular areas include: periglacial landforms; ground ice; perennial

mineral springs; volcanic geology; ice-covered lakes; fjord

sedimentation; hydrology; life in ice and permafrost.

The main goal of this campaign is to assess the habitability of the

area surrounding the McGill Arctic Research Station (M.A.R.S.), and

characterize any biological materials present, as analogues for similar

areas on Mars.

Concept A : Axel Heiberg Island

Field Campaign Concept

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Concept B : Teide National Park

Provides a good analogue for both Mars and the Moon. Volcanoes and

volcanic processes can be studied such as vents; lava flows; lava tubes

and caves; channels and valleys; basaltic rift system and ridges.

The red, oxidized, basaltic from Tenerife has optical properties that

resemble the established Mars simulant JSC-1.

The main goal of this campaign is to understand the volcanic geology of

the area and practice analyzing volcanic products using tools and

equipment that could be used on the Moon.

Specifically, this site is to be used to study lunar-like soils to aid in the

understanding of their formation.

Field Campaign Concept (2)

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Scientific tools and technologies

Supporting technologies have been selected for investigation within the

CAFE study:

Man-Portable Drilling Equipment

Man-Portable Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Robotic Assistant

Field-Operable Multiple Discipline Analysis

High-Mobility Environmental Suit

Sample Storage and Curation Processes

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Local users emulates members of the Mars expedition located in the outpost

fields or orbiting spacecraft.

Local and Remote radio-links are a mixed wireless/wired network able to

connect the field with remote control centres.

The intention is to reproduce the operative conditions also in terms of

segregation.

Internet

VSAT

Hub

VSAT

terminal

Field team 1 Field team 2

Field basecamp

Remote Control Centre

Wireless

lowrange

PRN

Logistics Campaign Communication Scenario

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The input data necessary to perform the desired operations or

emulate operative conditions can be:

High accurate maps and satellite data

Localization devices (e.g. GPS, radio beacons)

Availability of mobility systems

Portable or wearable computers

Site Characterization

Logistics Campaign (2)

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Example 2: Robotic tests ALTEC - IRSPS collaboration

The collaboration aims to the validation of selected advanced planetary robotic

systems and science operational procedures in an unique Earth Analog environment.

The work took advantages from important past research projects and program.

The collaboration has been proposed to the Italian Space Agency and the EU Seventh

Framework Programme.

The International Research School in Planetary Science

(IRSPS) is responsible for the definition of scientific and

operational requirements. In addition IRSPS can prepare the

areas for field trials and take care of logistics.

ALTEC is responsible for the preparation and operations of the

Mission Control Centre as well as of the rover robotic systems.

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Objectives

Collect output of research and development activities concerning

focused innovative technologies for planetary robotics;

Validate them in an integrated and representative environment;

Perform one of the first complete closed loop tests campaign in Europe

which includes science analysis and planning for operative validation of

next missions scenarios;

Validate the science operational procedures to be performed at the

Mission Control Centre of a science robotic mission

Collect and provide to the science community a Ground Truth

simulator/data-base for off-line technology tests and training.

Implement and provide a reusable and strategic test framework for

future European studies.

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“It's indeed very useful to conduct field simulations where you go out to an

analog site and conduct a simulation of flight operations. This was done

extensively prior to both MER and MSL, and its primary value was in science

team training. You can run simulations in indoor or outdoor "Mars yard"

settings, but these don't really train a science team to do the kind of things

you're talking about. There's no substitute for going somewhere that has real

scientific problems to be solved. A lot of the team proficiency you're talking

about was first developed in these field simulations.” Steve Squyres

Field test value

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Outdoor Sites Selection – Morocco

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Moroccan desert exhibits large scale scenarios with broad field of view and relief

that mimic the Martian landscape.

The circular hills and flat wind-dominated deflation surfaces provide large areas of

barren and pristine desert.

These sites have been investigated scientific target are recognized and analyzed

whereas technical challenges and surface properties are identified and

characterized.

This know-how allow a careful planning of the operations and successful

validations of scientific and technical skills.

Outdoor Sites Selection – Morocco (2)

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The Moroccan desert and mountainous regions are complete test beds for

rover test.

They consist of pristine rocky and/or sandy surfaces (rock fields, dry rivers

and alluvial fans, dune fields of varying morphology and dimension) devoid

of vegetation and man-made structures.

The lack of vegetation permits effective testing of instrumentation for

geological analysis both on the ground than on outcrops.


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Dry hot areas display very low values of humidity at the surface and in the

subsurface and make such areas good analogues to Mars. Albedo, color and

large amount of dust of such areas as well better approximate Martian surface.

About the Martian test sites, we look for strict and compelling analogies.

Surface morphologies, rock abundance, and color will be matched as

accurately as possible. The selection is based on the comparison of the single

element of the landscape and of the physical environment to closely match the

Martian geology.

Logistic is easy with good accommodation, power and internet connections.


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a) The so-called “Kess-Kess” are large

carbonate mounds dating the Lower

Devonian age, characterized by sever

slopes, here rover autonomous mobility

and traffic ability could be tested.

b) Areas where rock-fields and sand sheets

alternate (such as observed in Terra

Meridian, Mars). Notice the macrofossils

visible in the rocks.

c) Erg Chebby shows a large variety of

geomorphological features and sediments

granulometry, and then several site

condition could be tested for rover traffic

ability.

Outdoor Sites Selection – Morocco (5) examples

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Indoor tests permits: first validation of on-board

software, interfaces and communication, train

the engineering and science team in preparation

of the outdoor tests.

ALTEC facility is a 20 x 20 meters planetary

terrain demonstrator.

The facility allows the reproduction of several

test cases involving two or more rovers.

It exploits panoramic mobile camera to emulate

real-time imaging and a laser total station to

build the DEM.

The facility is going to be expanded with the

integration of a virtual reality control room.

Indoor Test Facility

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Operations

First important assumption is the distinction between the two crews who will

operate the test: the operational crew and the field crew.

The operational crew will control the rovers operations in blind mode:

they do not know where the rover operates and they operates from the

remote MCC connected, via satellite link, with the test field.

they will have only satellite and/or aerial images to operate them.

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Operations (2) The field crew will control the rover operations in the field :

taking care of the rover safety and assessing the field hazard

analyze the rover capabilities, its traffic ability and the quality of the

performance.

identify the discrepancies or agreements of the operational crew

planning with the real execution of the operations also in terms of science

data analysis.

IRSPS is building a permanent facility with workshop, hardware, control room, ecc.

The Field Facility will be the center of the activities however, field camps can be

organized to create ground stations closer to the operated hardware.

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Detailed activities Three kinds of independent validation tests are planned:

Engineering tests to:

Validate technologies in a real environment for at least 10 days

Involve the remote MCC and the locale science teams

Perform verification using external measurement systems

Scientific tests to :

Validate science procedures in a real environment and for at least 10 days

Involve the remote MCC and the engineering team

Compare results of the MCC science assessments and the “real” data taken

from the field

Joint Tests :

Science and engineering local and remote teams together for at least 7 days

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Example 3: Biomedicine on ISS

ALTEC is deeply involved in the field of the medical and biotechnologies

researches.

The main activities are:

Coordinate and prepare the space mission needed for the validation on the

ISS

Support the identification of opportunities and requirements for orbital testing

Perform feasibility studies and assumptions for the accommodation of existing

systems.

Perform subsequent phases of design, development, integration and testing,

into the mission.

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ALTEC is member of NASA Human Health and Performance Center (NHHPC)

The objectives of the NHHPC are mainly:

To promote initiatives in support of research projects on the human

physiology and their implications in terms of innovative products in the

biomedical field;

To facilitate international projects for studies of human health in scenarios of

human planetary exploration;

The ALTEC's commitment in the Medicine and Biotechnology Space areas has

been confirmed by the participation to the call promoted by ASI for experiments

in many different fields.

Biomedicine on ISS (2)

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The purpose of one of this experiment is to analyze the astronaut stress and

appetite during the permanence on-board the ISS.

This will allow the direct analysis of the samples inside the ISS, rather than the

collection and storage of samples which were then analyzed after their return

to Earth.

This will provide an analytical device, “space qualified”, with the following

characteristics:

• always available on the ISS for further experimentation and easily used by

crew members on-board the ISS;

• absolutely not invasive in order to analyze the levy of oral fluid and to

control the overall health status in real time.

• Not need the ground specialist to perform the test and neither to analyze

the result.

The main goal of the project will be to allow the astrout to perform biomedical test

on your own and, if needed, perform the resolution action, without the ground

support.

Biomedicine on ISS (3)

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Conclusion - 1

Future exploration missions will require the usage of complex science

tools and the real-time interpretation of their output data by non-expert

operators

Engineers need to work in strong collaboration with the scientists to

define mission goals and procedures aligned with the science goals

Scientists normally are not used to follow procedural and operative

approach, like in the space missions hence continuous interactions are

necessary to proper document their concern, needs and suggestions

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Conclusion - 2

For a clear road-map, the international experience gained through the

ISS program must be considered, in terms of processes, utilized

procedures and training

Tests on analog environments (e.g. terrestrial sites or ISS based) are

fundamental to achieve an effective collaboration, since the laboratory

or the simulator are not enough to reproduce representative space

operation conditions

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ALTEC Contacts

Ilenya Salvoni

ALTEC Engineering Operations

[email protected]

+39 011.7430.431

Ivano Musso

ALTEC Engineering Operations Manager

[email protected]

+39 011.7430.081

theme : space exploration strategies · 13th june 2013 - page 3 altec–pb–0021 issue 1 challenge...

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