Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
performed in a controlled and staged manner to minimize undesirable impacts
and to test each change before the next is implemented.
The technologies for constructing cooperative autonomy systems will be
discussed. Some of the technologies enable cooperation between humans and
nonhuman entities, while other technologies enable fully autonomous space-
craft. Many computer technologies are necessary, and each is at a different
level of readiness for NASA environments.
7.1 Need for Cooperative Autonomy in Space Missions
As indicated above, cooperative autonomy is the study of how humans and
computer agents can cooperate in groups to achieve common goals. This sec-
tion describes some of the challenges faced by NASA in future missions, and
informally describes how cooperative autonomy technologies can address these
challenges.
7.1.1 Quantities of Science Data
Over the last decade or so, the rate at which science data are collected and
returned by spacecraft has risen by several orders of magnitude. This is due,
in large part, to advances in sensor and computer technologies. Data handling
facilities have been expanded to handle the enormous amounts of incoming
data, but the mechanisms supporting science extraction from the data have
changed very little. In the current milieu of space missions, cross-mission data
analysis is largely ad hoc, with large variations in data formats and media. The
cost-effective ability to maintain scientific yield is in doubt without new ap-
proaches to support scientists in data analysis, reduction, archiving, retrieval,
management, and correlation.
7.1.2 Complexity of Scientific Instruments
The instrumentation available to the scientist has increased, and continues
to increase in complexity, making it dicult to utilize fully the resources
available. The amount of required documentation increases geometrically with
complexity, and so the burden on investigators to become and remain able to
effectively use any given instrument could easily get out of hand and become
untenable for many investigators. Through experience, it has become clear
that tools to map scientist's goals onto the space resources available to achieve
those goals are essential.
7.1.3 Increased Number of Spacecraft
The number of active spacecraft has multiplied within the last decade. With
the recent focus on small spacecraft, the numbers will soar. To realize the
