A methodology to determine impact of robotic technologies on space exploration missions

Abstract

This paper presents a new method for evaluating relative strengths and impact of robotic technologies utilized for space exploration missions. The method uses a three tiered process involving mission analysis, technology performance characterization, and technology influence models. Mission analysis focuses on determining the goals of the mission and evaluating the metrics that quantify those goals. Technology performance characterization allows the method to classify the capabilities of a diverse set of robotic technologies, in a systematic fashion, whereas the technology influence models allow understanding of the relationships between technology output and mission requirements. This three-tiered process is designed to provide a general framework for understanding the relative benefits of robotic technologies. Details on the method are provided in this paper and are illustrated on a representative Mars exploration mission