System Autonomy Hooks And Scars For Space Station

Abstract

The potential role of automation and robotics (A&R) technologies relating to system autonomy for the Space Station Program has been addressed and evaluated in numerous reports and studies. Of particular importance is the nearly unanimous conclusion that A&R must play a significant role in the achievement of long-term goals for the Station. There are many interrelated issues associated with automating the Station. One major concern is planning for an evolving Station which progressively attains higher levels of autonomy over its lifetime. Planning for an evolving Station is tantamount to planning for continual change. Effective planning for evolution requires that the Station be designed initially in order to accept more than just new equipment and software. This paper addresses some of the more critical hooks and scars which must be incorporated into the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) Space Station in order to pave the way for graceful acceptance of emerging automation technologies in the future.