Coan, David

Reagan, Marc

NASA Technical Reports Server

Operational Field Testing for Human Space Exploration
NASA “Analog” Projects
Exploration Integration
Extravehicular Activity & Science Operations
Extreme Environment Evaluations & Experiments
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20160013686 2019-08-31T10:22:24+00:00Z
Background
• Future Exploration missions will potentially take humans to destinations where 
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) work will be done on non-engineered natural bodies
• These missions will also be at distance that precludes instantaneous real-time 
communication with the crew, hinders fast resupply, and precludes quick help
• There are numerous technology and operations gaps associated with EVA tools, 
science sampling tools, experiments, and operational techniques for dealing with 
comm latency
Operational Field Testing
An “analog” mission is an integrated multi-disciplinary operational field test that allows 
for early end-to-end testing of concepts of operations and hardware in a true operational 
scenario 
• Evaluates objectives mapped to specific needs and knowledge/technology gaps
• Has the crew in-situ and a ground team separated from them in a mission-like 
manner
• Provides an understanding of system and architectural interactions between 
Operations, Engineering, and Science
• Drives out results not found in standalone testing, including things that do and do not 
work in a mission environment
• Benefits programs from ISS to Exploration
What Are Operational Field Tests?
2
EQUIPMENT
SCIENCE
OPERATIONS
Integrated Evaluations of Operations Concepts
3
Astromaterials Research &
Exploration Science (ARES)
XI
EVA Strategic Planning & 
Architecture
XX
Crew & Thermal
Systems - Tools
EC
Integrated EVA Science Operations
The objective for an operational field test is to explore the combined aspects of Science, Operations, and Equipment in a 
mission-like environment in order to evaluate:
• Concepts of operations on a natural surface
• Hardware and tools for pioneering and science tasks
• Tools and techniques that enable effective and efficient communication between the ground (MCC and Science Team) 
and the crew (IV and EVA) over an appropriate communication latency utilizing a flexible execution methodology 
N
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Alignment with NASA’s Journey to Mars 
Earth Reliant exploration is focused on
research aboard ISS testing new
technologies and advancing human
health and performance research that will
enable deep-space, long-duration
missions.
Proving Grounds will let NASA learn how to
conduct complex operations in a deep
space environment. Primarily operating in
cislunar space, NASA will advance and
validate capabilities required for human
exploration of Mars.
Mars Ready endeavors will build on what
we learn on ISS and in cislunar space to
enable human missions near Mars,
including the moons of Mars, and
eventually to the Martian surface.
 International Space Station
 Commercial Crew and Resupply
 Astronauts
 Flight Operations
 Mars Surface Systems
 Entry, Descent, and Landing
 Science and Planetary Destinations
 In-situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)
 Mission Environments, Integration, 
and Testing
 Orion
 Asteroid Retrieval Crewed Mission
 Human System Research
 Suits
 Environmental Control & Life Support
 Robotics and Autonomous Systems
 Space Radiation Protection
Operational field testing contributes to all Journey to Mars phases
4
NASA
 Multiple centers and groups
 Exploration 
 Extravehicular Activity (EVA)
 Science
 Operations
 Engineering
 Astronauts
 International Partners
Academia
 Institutions
Military
 Industry
Partnerships and Collaborations
5
And many others…
EVA Goals for Operational Field Tests
Extravehicular Activity Goals
• Advance the future of the EVA system and operations
• Understand EVA gaps and concepts of operations for a wide range of Exploration 
destinations being considered by NASA
• Determine and document closures to gaps in EVA capabilities for Exploration missions 
and inform the EVA Systems Maturation Team (SMT) 
• Develop and document concepts of operations for EVA at the Exploration destinations
• Realize the needs of EVA tools and hardware and enable the development of 
requirements and designs
Benefits of Operational Field Testing
• Concepts of operations can be accurately tested to determine their viability and changes
• Utilization of real science allows for investigation of end-to-end concepts of operations, 
from both an Earth-based Science Team and the in-situ EVA crew
• Purpose-built prototype hardware can be evaluated in a field test to provide data for 
design maturation
• Communication latencies can be simulated in an operational environment in order to 
assess the con ops and needs associated with EVAs
• A range of destinations can be evaluated
6
AQUATIC TERRESTRIAL LABORATORY
Active Response
Gravity Offload
System (ARGOS) 
Virtual Reality & 
Hybrid Reality
Laboratories
International 
Space Station
Others … Others …
Field Training
Areas
Others …
Neutral Buoyancy
Laboratory (NBL)
Aquarius Reef 
Base (NEEMO) 
Neutral Buoyancy 
Facility
Extreme 
Environments
(ex. Antarctica)
Geo-Science 
Field Exercises
& Sites
Environments for Operational Field Testing
7
NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations
- Utilizes unique facility & environment; rapid prototyping; Evaluations of both IVA and EVA objectives
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Research and Technology Studies
- Utilizes terrain appropriate for geo-science tasks; Suit and robotic test-bed
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 20121997 1998 1999 2000
Apollo Surface Operations
- Exploration traverses were planned in advance using imagery gathered from precursor satellites
- Crews had significant training in geology and science tasks
- An Earth-based science team (ST) supported EVAs (Precursor plans, Feedback during EVA, and changes between EVAs)
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 20121997 1998 1999 2000 2013 2014 2015 2016
MER A - Spirit
MER B - Opportunity  
MSL - Curiosity
Low communication latency (~1.25 sec OWLT) 
High communication latency for Mars (~4-22 min OWLT)
Tested-bed for a variety of communication latency for detailed EVA/Science evaluations
Mars Robotic Missions
- Remote science operations
- Instrumentation / sample selection 
Tested a variety of communication latencies for geo-science operations
Science
Science
Heritage & Background
8
Other NASA Analog Programs
- Each exploring various aspects of exploration
- Funded though grant programs
- Science focused
ISRU
Test a variety of communication latencies
Exploration Integration & EVA Field Tests:  NEEMO
(NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations)
NEEMO is a project that utilizes Aquarius, the only operational undersea research facility in the
world, as a setting for accomplishing a host of NASA and synergistic partner objectives
• Funded by partners and collaborators from across NASA centers, DoD, universities, and industry
• 1-2 missions/year, 10 – 20 days in length
• Shore side Mission Control, staffed by experienced operators
• Crew largely consists of astronauts from CB and IPs, along with PIs and engineers
• Missions have high operational rigor by design (timelines, procedures, etc.)
• Enables evaluation of both IVA and EVA objectives
• Allows for evaluations of end-to-end concepts of operations with crew that are in-situ in a true 
extreme environment
• Provides for flight-like interactions between the crew and an MCC Science Team, including 
over comm latencies
• Enables a testing ground for hardware and tool concepts on the start of the road to flight
• Currently the primary field test for EVA & integrated science operations
• Analog Testing Details:
• Previous mission: July 21- Aug 5, 2016
• Next mission: TBD (Summer 2017)
9
SCIENCE PLANETARY SCIENCE RELEVANCE OF MISSIONS
 Sampling Procedures
 Sampling Techniques
 Collection Tools
 Contamination
 Storage & Transport 
Curation
Research
Exploration
A
st
ro
m
at
e
ri
al
s 
 Remote Sensing
 In-situ 
Instrumentation
High-grading Samples 
 Context Descriptions
Documentation
 Science Operations
Operational Flexibility
Human-Robot Ops
 Crew Science Training
 EVA science activities include 
deployment of handheld 
instrumentation, context 
descriptions, imaging, and 
sampling
Operational field testing allows 
for evaluations of sample 
collection tools, deployable 
instruments, and EVA concepts 
of operations
Geoscience activities at 
analogs such as RATS and RISE 
directly correlate to planetary 
exploration
 The marine science activities 
and associated research 
objectives at NEEMO serve as a 
appropriate proxy for 
planetary surface exploration 
activities
 Integration, coordination, and 
education from diverse 
disciplines and organizations
Planetary Science Proxies & Relevance
10
INTEGRATED EVA SCIENCE 
OPERATIONS
 Examine con ops that enable
interaction between the MCC &
the crew over a long comm
latency including:
• Interaction with an 
integrated Science Team
• Authentic scientific 
objectives  and hypothesis
• “Flexecution” 
methodology
PIONEERING TASKS
 Evaluate early prototype
construction hardware and
techniques
 Deploy, test, and evaluate a
prototype comm system
 Simulated a multi-phased
“pioneering” task
JOINT ROBOTIC-EVA 
OPERATIONS
 Joint human-robot operations
 Autonomous site navigation and
precision execution for tool
handoff/delivery & diver leading
 IV-control for localization,
detailed navigation, situational
awareness, inspection, and
intervention
NAVIGATION,  MAP, & 
TRAVERSE PLANNING
 Assessed tool needs for
navigation
 Traverse plan and map on cue
cards showed crew regions and
paths, and tasks to complete
 Utilized Doppler relative nav
system for crew to find
ROI/zones
OPERATIONS
WITH COMMUNICATION LATENCY CON OPS
OPERATIONS CONCEPTS AT NEEMO
ST
IV
EV
IV
= voice
= text
= data
Concepts of Operations Evaluations
11
ELECTRONIC CUE CARDS
 Evaluate electronic cue cards for
EVA crew that allow them to
operate more effectively and
offload IV tasks
 Additional crew autonomy
requires further access to
information in their hands
 Potential “one-device” for cue
cards/procedures, images/video,
instrument control, etc.
SCIENCE SAMPLING TOOLS 
& GEOLOGY SAMPLING KIT
 Test EVA tools and hardware for
science sampling
 Evaluate Integrated Geology
Sampling System for collecting
geology & astrobiology samples
 Sample Briefcase houses various
end effectors with two different
drivers (manual and powered)
 Analyze methods to minimize EV
crew contaminating an area
IV SUPPORT SYSTEM
 Evaluated types of tools the IV
crewmember needs to
effectively handle the large
amount of EVA information while
directing EVA
 Evaluated effective setup in a
constrained location
 Multiple displays included
camera feeds, timeline,
nav/comm/sub systems,
procedures, logs, etc.
EQUIPMENT HARDWARE EVALUATIONS AT NEEMO
DEMO
Hardware Evaluations
12
TRANSPORTATION &     
STOWAGE OF TOOLS
 Evaluated EVA hardware and
operations for transporting and
stowing tools and samples
 Initial look at sled/cart options
for large equipment transport
 Evaluated sling bag options for
small items & easy access
(sample markers, hand tools,
electronics, etc.)
SEATEST 2 NBL/MACES NEEMO 18/19 NEEMO 20 NEEMO 21
Example of Evolution Across Missions: Powered Rock Chip Hammer
NEEMO 20 NEEMO 21
Powered Core Sampler
SEATEST 2
NEEMO 18 NEEMO 19
Deep Core Drill
Su
rface Sam
p
ler Evo
lu
tio
n
N
EEM
O
 2
1
N
EEM
O
 2
0
2
0
1
4
Evolution of Tools for Road-to-Flight
EVA Gap Closure Inputs
EQUIPMENT
SCIENCE
OPERATIONS
EVA Gap Closures from NEEMO 21 (2016)
14
Nursery Construction
Nursery Science
N20 Reef Follow-up Science
Reef Exploration Science
Integrated EVA Science Operations
EVA Traverse Planning & Maps
EVA Navigation
Joint EVA-Robotic Operations
Effects of Comm Latency on Ops
EVA Digital Cue Cards
IV Support System
Science Sampling Tools
Geoscience Sampling Kit
Tool Transportation
Integrated EVA Flight Control
Flexible Execution Methodology for EVA Science Operations 
in Undefined Environments
Tools for Interacting with EVA Over a Comm Latency
IV Support System for EVA Operations
Display (EVA Integrated Camera)
Navigation (EVA Short Distance Navigation)
Tools for Science Sampling on a Surface EVA
Tool Caddy Device on a Surface EVA
EVA-Robotic (Man-Machine) Work System
Intra-Vehicular Experiments & Evaluations
Miniaturized Exercise 
Device MED 2.0
Evaluations
MobiPV 
Evaluation
Aquapad 
Evaluation
Nutritional 
Assessment Tool
EVA Swab Tool
Miniaturized DNA 
Sequencer
Portable Sensorimotor 
Assessment Platform (PSAP)
HoloLens for Cargo 
Transfer Assessment
Playbook - Timeline Tool
VEGA Telehealth -
Portable monitoring devices
IHMC - Multi-Omic Study
Teloregen - Regeneration Study
15
Other EVA & Science Operational Field Tests
• A number of other analogs have been used in the past to varying degrees 
for evaluation of EVA and science operations
• These are not actively being used by EVA today
• EVA is open to being involved in some of these in the future if the 
cost/benefit trade proves favorable
• Research And Technology Studies (RATS)
• RATS 2012 was an asteroid analog mission
• Took place at NASA JSC
• EVAs conducted in VR Lab and on ARGOS
• Vehicle/asteroid sim was tied to VR lab/EVA sim to allow vehicle and EV 
interaction
• Reliable and cost-efficient test and validation of NASA next-generation human 
exploration mission concepts
• Mission tested techniques, tools, planning, and communication protocols
• Matured operational concepts and technologies through integrated 
demonstrations
• Exercised overall ‘MCC style’ coordination between hardware, procedures, 
crew operations, mission control operations, science team operations, and 
engineering team
16
Other EVA & Science Operational Field Tests
• Desert RATS
• Missions were a planetary analog 
• Took place at the Black Point Lava Flow near Flagstaff, AZ
• Provided environment analogous to Moon and/or Mars, with crew conducting 
geoscience operations
• Allowed immersion of whole team, both flight crew and flight controllers
• Geoscience data still utilized for research
• SSERVI RIS4E
• RIS4E: Remote, In Situ and Synchrotron Studies for Science and Exploration
• SSERVI-funded project that investigates the effects of incorporating field portable 
instrumentation for in situ measurements into scientific EVA timelines
• Examines the most effective instruments for answering science questions and 
how they integrate with the larger mission architecture
• Fundamental science questions serve as basis for understanding how to operate 
on planetary surfaces
• RIS4E analog work at Kilauea, HI, and Potrillo Volcanic Field, NM
17
Other Analogs
• In-Situ Resource Utilization
• Planetary analog mission
• Hardware tested under stressful environmental conditions
• Expands scope of international involvement and mission criticality for 
hardware and remote test operations
• Expands integration of science and technology 
• Streamlines path to flight
• BASALT
• Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains
• Funded by NASA SMD ROSES-2014 Program Element C.14 (PSTAR) 
• Objectives: Investigate terrestrial volcanic terrains and their habitability 
as analog environments for early and present-day Mars through 4 field 
deployments in 2015–2019.
18
ISRU
Benefits of Operational Field Tests for Exploration & EVA
• Provides a means of advancing Human Spaceflight objectives by evaluating Exploration EVA 
concepts of operations and hardware/tool prototypes
• Enables authentic science objectives by directly conducting geoscience operations or utilizing 
proxy marine science to test relevant operations concepts
• Allows for end-to-end testing of techniques and hardware in an operational scenario
• Has the crew in-situ and a ground team separated from them in a mission-like manner
• Provides an understanding of system and architectural interactions between Operations, Engineering, 
and Science
• Drives out results for things that do and do not work in a mission environment
• Evaluates objectives mapped to specific needs and knowledge/technology gaps
• Informs updates to the NASA Exploration EVA Concepts of Operations document by having 
crewmembers test relevant concepts in mission environments
• Facilitates SMT gap closures by tying all EVA-relevant objectives to specific gaps and testing potential 
closures
• Provides data for hardware design maturation to assist in road-to-flight, especially the EVA science 
sample collection tools
• Assesses concepts of operations associated with science EVAs that require input from an MCC Science 
Team over a comm latency
• Ties in the right expertise to evaluate concepts being worked on across the agency
• Benefits programs from ISS to Exploration
• Enhances relationships with international partners, academia, and other NASA orgs
19
Advanced Manufacturing
• Rapid prototyping (additive 
manufacturing) 
• 3D printing of tools
• Repairing hardware with 3D 
printed components
• Rapid delivery of unforeseen 
components
• Information technologies 
• Advanced robotics and 
intelligent systems 
• Automation 
• Control systems
Maritime
• Underwater science operations
• Construction of underwater 
structures with diver 
latching/bolting mechanisms
• Long term exposure tests for 
underwater connectors and 
materials
• Underwater tools
• Navigation
• Diver-Robotic joint operations 
and interactions
Medicine
• Telemedicine
• Mixed-reality remote assisted 
medical treatment
• Confined space exercise at 
remote destinations
• Miniaturized DNA sequencing
• Portable breathing monitor
• Physiological (telomere) change 
in extreme environment
• Small team & solo extreme 
environment rescue
Terrestrial Industry Applications
20
Future of Operational Field Tests
• EVA Office
• Currently looking at next round of operational field testing 
needs
• Continued focus on objectives that facilitate closure of SMT 
gaps and updates to the Exploration EVA Concepts of 
Operations document 
• Will further evaluate different types of EVA tasks
• Science operations 
• Pioneering
• Examining other potential testing opportunities
• NEEMO
• Potential mission in July 2017 (and subsequent years)
• Significant focus on EVA and Science objectives
• SSERVI RIS4E
• Upcoming deployments in 2016, 2017, and 2018
• EVA will be looking at possible collaboration 
• BASALT
• Upcoming deployments in 2016 and 2017
21
• NASA is always looking for collaboration with external groups to help facilitate development of the next 
generation spaceflight systems for EVA
• https://www.nasa.gov/suitup
• Primary Exploration EVA Office POCs:  
• Brian Johnson (brian.j.johnson@nasa.gov) 
• Jesse Buffington (jesse.a.buffington@nasa.gov) 
• David Coan (david.coan@nasa.gov)
• If interested in collaborating on NEEMO (esp. NEEMO 22 in Summer 2017)
• NEEMO Project Lead: Bill Todd (william.l.todd@nasa.gov) 
• NEEMO Mission Director: Marc Reagan (marcum.l.reagan@nasa.gov) 
• NEEMO EVA Lead: David Coan (david.coan@nasa.gov)
• NEEMO Science Operations Lead: Trevor Graff (trevor.g.graff@nasa.gov)
• If interested in collaborating on SSERVI RIS4E
• Jacob Bleacher (jacob.e.bleacher@nasa.gov)
• Kelsey Young (kelsey.e.young@nasa.gov)
Collaborating on Operational Field Tests
22


Operational Field Testing for Human Space Exploration

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