Engineering topics

Bluth, B. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Bluth, B. J..

7 records

NASA NTRS1988

Lunar settlements--a socio-economic outlook

The primary ingredient in a Lunar Settlement Program is the people. At the very high cost that will be required to transport, maintain and supply the people who will staff the Lunar operation, it is important to do everything possible to ensure their continued effectiveness in such an isolated, confined, and barren environment. This paper will attempt to identify the issues involved in providing for effective human performance in Lunar Settlements. The approach to be used will be contextual, and thus will not only examine the facets of the Lunar Settlement itself, but will also look at the organizational elements and the design and development processes used in project management from the point of view of long term success and cost effectiveness. The approach will also attempt to look at the Lunar Settlement "in time" as it is connected to events and experiences as they will evolve from the Space Station to Lunar Settlements. Finally, the approach will be contextual in the range of disciplines considered and their impact on planning, evolution, and activities in the entire process of Lunar Settlement. We will hope that Lunar settlers will be able to work and live as effective team members, and to make that possible, the designers, developers, builders, and managers must also function as a coherent team working together to bring about a common goal.

Space Flight/economics/organization & administrati↗

NASA NTRS1986

Assessment of Space Station design and operation through bioastronautics

The main elements which affect human well-being and productivity during a mission on the Space Station are reviewed. These include: the physical environment, the nature of operations the crew is required to perform, man's physiological response to microgravity, and the psychological and social conditions. The individual components of each of these elements are presented, and special design and support needs are identified. Particular attention is given to noise pollution, ionizing radiation, and behavioral factors.

Klein, K. E.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Lunar settlements - A socio-economic outlook

Factors in the design and development of a lunar settlement (LS) which affect the performance of the crew members are discussed. Topics examined include LS-program time constraints imposed by decisions made in developing and operating the Space Station; changes to make allowance for the long-term requirements of LSs; the design of the physical, technical, and organic LS environment; and the vital role of group dynamics in assuring LS success. It is suggested that many short-term cost-minimization strategies employed in spacecraft development may be inappropriate for LS programs.

Bluth, B. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Space Station in the 21st century - A social perspective

A human factors and sociological consideration of Space Station crew facilities and interactions is presented which attempts to place the experiences of astronaut communities in the larger context of late 20th century industrial, economic, and cultural trends. Attention is given to the relationship of Space Station communities to 'Information Society' - related historical developments.

Bluth, B. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Soviet Space Stations as Analogs, Second Edition

The available literature that discusses the various aspects of the Soviet Salyut 6 and Salyut 7 space staions are examined as related to human productivity. The methodology for this analog was a search of unclassified literature. Additional information was obtained in interviews with the cosmonauts and some Soviet space personnel. Topics include: general layout and design of the spacecraft system; cosmonauts role in maintenance and repair; general layout and design of the Mir complex; effects of the environment on personnel; information and computer systems; organization systems; personality systems; and physical conditin of the cosmonaut.

Bluth, B. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Socio/psychological issues for a Mars mission

Some of the socio/psychological problems expected to accompany such a long duration mission as the trip to Mars are addressed. The emphasis is on those issues which are expected to have a bearing on crew performance. Results from research into aircraft accidents, particularly those related to pilot performance, are discussed briefly, as a limited analog to space flight. Significant comparisons are also made to some aspects of long duration Antarctic stays, submarine missions, and oceanographic vessel voyages. Appropriate lessons learned from U.S. and Russian space flight experiences are provided. Design of space missions and systems to enhance crew performance is discussed at length, considering factors external and internal to the crew. The importance of incorporating such design factors early in the design process is stressed.

Bluth, B. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Cost benefits from human productivity design

The degree to which changing definitions of productivity influence the design of space systems is discussed from a sociological point of view. Particular attention is given to the importance of subjective criteria used in judgements about the cost and benefits of designing a Space Station. It is recommended that designers, administrators, and potential private industrial participants recognize the objectives and goals of other groups involved in the Space Station program in order to establish the most cooperative and productive design environment.

Bluth, B. J.↗