Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
11
Concluding Remarks
In this topic, we have examined technologies for system autonomy and auto-
nomicity. We have considered what it means for a system to be autonomous
and autonomic, and have projected how the concepts might be applied to
spacecraft and other aspects of NASA missions. We discussed current space-
craft ground and flight operations, described how autonomy and autonomic
technology is currently applied to NASA missions, and identified the areas
where additional autonomy could be beneficially effective. We also considered
artificial intelligence techniques that could be applied to current and future
missions to provide additional autonomy and autonomicity.
We now proceed to identify factors that drive the use of new technology
and discuss the necessity of software reliability for space missions. We will
discuss certain future missions and their needs for autonomy and autonomic
technology, and finally will consider the NASA strategic plan and the manner
in which autonomy and autonomic systems may be involved in supporting
that plan.
11.1 Factors Driving the Use of Autonomy
and Autonomicity
As discussed in other parts of this topic, there are a number of factors that
drive the application of autonomy and autonomicity. New science using space-
based platforms gives rise progressively to new methods and means, and calls
for new and increasingly sophisticated instruments and complex new instru-
ment configurations in space, as will be seen from a number of examples to
be given later. Future explorations in more remote environments bring new
challenges for mission control when real-time information for human opera-
tors becomes impossible due to the fundamental reality of signal delays under
speed-of-light limitations. Reductions of mission costs is a continuing and ev-
idently unavoidable necessity, and as we have seen, has been increasingly re-
alized through reducing human involvement in routine mission operations - a
