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At least 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2021

Practical Operational Readiness Gambits: Operations Training Simulations for the Curiosity Rover

The Mars Science Laboratory team had been puttingin effort to make a Training Venue to allow for parallel shadowtactical operations for trainees to actively work alongside theprime tactical operations personnel without affecting operations,since staffing constraints and shortened operations timelineswere straining the tactical process in supporting operationstrainees in the traditional way. The COVID- 19 Pandemic presentedfurther challenges in continuing on-console training forMSL operations trainees. The MSL operations team switched tofully remote operations, thus hampering the direct mentorshipa trainee would normally receive while on site at JPL. TheMars 2020 training team had developed a concept for roveroperations training simulations based on Johnson Space Center’sextensive simulations training program for astronauts andflight controllers. The MSL team borrowed this idea, and implementedthese training simulations which are called PracticalOperational Readiness Gambits (PORGs). The PORGs so farhave focused on the Science Planner and Rover Planner roles,which are two crucial roles in tactical operations that engagein key interactions throughout a shift. PORGs are based onactual sol scenarios that have occurred on Mars and follow thetactical operations process and timeline as closely as possible.However, unlike an operations shift, PORGs can slow down orpause to allow for more mentoring time. PORGs can focus onparticular skills to test the trainees on their understanding ofa concept. PORGs increase in complexity with each scenario toease the trainees into more typical tactical operations workloads.As more trainees join the MSL operations team, more roles arebeing incorporated into PORGs. There are plans to incorporatecertified operations personnel into PORGs to practice anomalyresponse situations. PORGs have become an essential part of theMSL operations training program and will continue even afterthe return to on-site operations at JPL.

Gajeway, Jocelyn↗
NASA NTRS2004

Training Space Surgeons for Missions to the Moon and Mars

Over a period of 4 years, several working groups reviewed the provisions for medical care in low earth orbit and for future flights such as to the Moon and Mars. More than 60 medical experts representing a wide variety of clinical backgrounds participated in the working groups. They concluded that NASA medical training for long-duration missions, while critical to success, is currently aimed at short-term skill retention. They noted that several studies have shown that skills and knowledge deteriorate rapidly in the absence of adequate sustainment training. American Heart Association studies have shown that typically less than twenty-five percent of learned skills remain after 6 to 8 months. In addition to identifying the current training deficiencies, the working groups identified additional skill and knowledge sets required for missions to the Moon and Mars and curricula were developed to address inadequacies. Space medicine care providers may be categorized into 4 types based on health care responsibilities and level of education required. The first 2 types are currently recognized positions within the flight crew: crew medical officers and astronaut-physician. The crew medical officer (CMO), a non-medically trained astronaut crewmember, is given limited emergency medical technician-like training to provide medical care on orbit. Many of hidher duties are carried out under the direction of a ground-based flight surgeon in mission control. Second is the astronaut- physician whose primary focus is on mission specialist duties and training, and who has very limited ability to maintain medical proficiency. Two new categories are recommended to complete the 4 types of care providers primarily to address the needs of those who will travel to the Moon and Mars. Physician astronaut - a physician, who in addition to being a mission specialist, will be required to maintain and enhance hidher medical proficiency while serving as an astronaut. Space surgeon - a physician astronaut given special training to address the unique health care requirements envisioned for expeditions such as those to Mars.

Pool, S. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Otolith tilt-translation reinterpretation following prolonged weightlessness - Implications for preflight training

Observations with three astronauts yielded two major findings. First, perceived self-motion during sinusoidal roll differed immediately postflight from preflight. Between 70 and 150 min after landing, roll was perceived primarily as linear translation. Secondly, more horizontal eye movement was elicited by roll simulation immediately postflight relative to both preflight and later postflight observations. These results support an 'otolith tilt-translation reinterpretation' hypothesis, which has clear implications for understanding astronaut reports of space motion sickness during the early period of orbital flight. A proposal for 'prophylactic adaptation training' which may provide preflight adaptation to weightlessness, derives from this reearch.

Parker, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS2009

A Glimpse from the Inside of a Space Suit: What Is It Really Like to Train for an EVA?

The beauty of the view from the office of a spacewalking astronaut gives the impression of simplicity, but few beyond the astronauts, and those who train them, know what it really takes to get there. Extravehicular Activity (EVA) training is an intense process that utilizes NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) to develop a very specific skill set needed to safely construct and maintain the orbiting International Space Station. To qualify for flight assignments, astronauts must demonstrate the ability to work safely and efficiently in the physically demanding environment of the spacesuit, possess an acute ability to resolve unforeseen problems, and implement proper tool protocols to ensure no tools will be lost in space. Through the insights and the lessons learned by actual EVA astronauts and EVA instructors, this paper twill take you on a journey through an astronaut's earliest experiences working in the spacesuit. termed the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), in the underwater training environment of the NBL. This work details an actual Suit Qualification NBL training event, outlines the numerous challenges the astronauts face throughout their initial training, and the various ways they adapt their own abilities to overcome them. The goal of this paper is to give everyone a small glimpse into what it is really like to work in a spacesuit.

Gast, Matthew A.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Shallow-Water Nitrox Diving, the NASA Experience

NASA s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) contains a 6.2 million gallon, 12-meter deep pool where astronauts prepare for space missions involving space walks (extravehicular activity EVA). Training is conducted in a space suit (extravehicular mobility unit EMU) pressurized to 4.0 - 4.3 PSI for up to 6.5 hours while breathing a 46% NITROX mix. Since the facility opened in 1997, over 30,000 hours of suited training has been completed with no occurrence of decompression sickness (DCS) or oxygen toxicity. This study examines the last 5 years of astronaut suited training runs. All suited runs are computer monitored and data is recorded in the Environmental Control System (ECS) database. Astronaut training runs from 2004 - 2008 were reviewed and specific data including total run time, maximum depth and average depth were analyzed. One hundred twenty seven astronauts and cosmonauts completed 2,231 training runs totaling 12,880 exposure hours. Data was available for 96% of the runs. It was revealed that the suit configuration produces a maximum equivalent air depth of 7 meters, essentially eliminating the risk of DCS. Based on average run depth and time, approximately 17% of the training runs exceeded the NOAA oxygen maximum single exposure limits, with no resulting oxygen toxicity. The NBL suited training protocols are safe and time tested. Consideration should be given to reevaluate the NOAA oxygen exposure limits for PO2 levels at or below 1 ATA.

Fitzpatrick, Daniel T.↗
NASA NTRS1999

STS-93 / Columbia Flight Crew Photo Op & QA at Pad for TCDT

The primary objective of the STS-93 mission was to deploy the Advanced X-ray Astrophysical Facility, which had been renamed the Chandra X-ray Observatory in honor of the late Indian-American Nobel Laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. The mission was launched at 12:31 on July 23, 1999 onboard the space shuttle Columbia. The mission was led by Commander Eileen Collins. The crew was Pilot Jeff Ashby and Mission Specialists Cady Coleman, Steve Hawley and Michel Tognini from the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). This videotape shows a pre-flight press conference. Prior to the astronauts' arrival at the bunker area in front of the launch pad, the narrator discusses some of the training that the astronauts are scheduled to have prior to the launch, particularly the emergency egress procedures. Commander Collins introduces the crew and fields questions from the assembled press. Many questions are asked about the experiences of Commander Collins, and Mission Specialist Coleman as women in NASA. The press conference takes place outside in front of the Shuttle Columbia on the launch pad.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1997

Autogenic-Feedback Training Exercise (AFTE) Method and System

The Autogenic-Feedback Training Exercise (AFTE) method of the present invention is a combined application of physiologic and perceptual training techniques. such as autogenic therapy and biofeedback. This combined therapy approach produces a methodology that is appreciably more effective than either of the individual techniques used separately. The AFTE method enables sufficient magnitude of control necessary to significantly reduce the behavioral and physiologic reactions to severe environmental stressors. It produces learned effects that are persistent over time and are resistant to extinction and it can be administered in a short period of time. The AFTE method may be used efficiently in several applications, among which are the following: to improve pilot and crew performance during emergency flying conditions; to train people to prevent the occurrence of nausea and vomiting associated with motion and sea sickness, or morning sickness in early pregnancy; as a training method for preventing or counteracting air-sickness symptoms in high-performance military aircraft; for use as a method for cardiovascular training, as well as for multiple other autonomic responses, which may contribute to the alleviation of Space Motion Sickness (SMS) in astronauts and cosmonauts; training people suffering from migraine or tension headaches to control peripheral blood flow and reduce forehead and/or trapezius muscle tension; training elderly people suffering from fecal incontinence to control their sphincter muscles; training cancer patients to reduce the nauseagenic effects of chemotherapy; and training patients with Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction (CIP).

Cowings, Patricia S.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Physical examination during space flight

OBJECTIVE: To develop techniques for conducting a physical examination in microgravity and to describe and document the physiologic changes noted with use of a modified basic physical examination. DESIGN: On the basis of data gathered from physical examinations on KC-135 flights, three physical variables were assessed serially in astronauts during two shuttle missions (of 8- and 10-day duration, respectively). Preflight, in-flight, and postflight examinations were conducted by trained physician-astronauts or flight surgeons, who used this modified examination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five male and two female crewmembers participated in the "hands-on" physical examination of all physiologic systems except the genitourinary system. Level of edema, intensity of bowel sounds, and peripheral reflexes were assessed and graded. RESULTS: This investigation identified unique elements of a physical examination performed during space flight that will assist in the development of standard methods for conducting examinations of astronauts in weightlessness. In addition, demonstrable changes induced by microgravity were noted in most physiologic systems examined. CONCLUSION: The data support the hypothesis that the microgravity examination differs from that conducted on earth or in a 1g environment. In addition, alterations in the physiologic response can be detected with use of hands-on technique. These data are invaluable in the development of optimal medical care for humans in space.

STS Shuttle Project↗
NASA NTRS1993

Self-attitude awareness training: An aid to effective performance in microgravity and virtual environments

This paper describes ongoing development of training procedures to enhance self-attitude awareness in astronaut trainees. The procedures are based on observations regarding self-attitude (perceived self-orientation and self-motion) reported by astronauts. Self-attitude awareness training is implemented on a personal computer system and consists of lesson stacks programmed using Hypertalk with Macromind Director movie imports. Training evaluation will be accomplished by an active search task using the virtual Spacelab environment produced by the Device for Orientation and Motion Environments Preflight Adaptation Trainer (DOME-PAT) as well as by assessment of astronauts' performance and sense of well-being during orbital flight. The general purpose of self-attitude awareness training is to use as efficiently as possible the limited DOME-PAT training time available to astronauts prior to a space mission. We suggest that similar training procedures may enhance the performance of virtual environment operators.

Parker, Donald E.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Extravehicular activity training and hardware design consideration

Preparing astronauts to perform the many complex extravehicular activity (EVA) tasks required to assemble and maintain Space Station will be accomplished through training simulations in a variety of facilities. The adequacy of this training is dependent on a thorough understanding of the task to be performed, the environment in which the task will be performed, high-fidelity training hardware and an awareness of the limitations of each particular training facility. Designing hardware that can be successfully operated, or assembled, by EVA astronauts in an efficient manner, requires an acute understanding of human factors and the capabilities and limitations of the space-suited astronaut. Additionally, the significant effect the microgravity environment has on the crew members' capabilities has to be carefully considered not only for each particular task, but also for all the overhead related to the task and the general overhead associated with EVA. This paper will describe various training methods and facilities that will be used to train EVA astronauts for Space Station assembly and maintenance. User-friendly EVA hardware design considerations and recent EVA flight experience will also be presented.

Weightlessness↗
NASA NTRS2004

Applications for Mission Operations Using Multi-agent Model-based Instructional Systems with Virtual Environments

This viewgraph presentation provides an overview of past and possible future applications for artifical intelligence (AI) in astronaut instruction and training. AI systems have been used in training simulation for the Hubble Space Telescope repair, the International Space Station, and operations simulation for the Mars Exploration Rovers. In the future, robots such as may work as partners with astronauts on missions such as planetary exploration and extravehicular activities.

Clancey, William J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Visual-vestibular integration motion perception reporting

Self-orientation and self/surround-motion perception derive from a multimodal sensory process that integrates information from the eyes, vestibular apparatus, proprioceptive and somatosensory receptors. Results from short and long duration spaceflight investigations indicate that: (1) perceptual and sensorimotor function was disrupted during the initial exposure to microgravity and gradually improved over hours to days (individuals adapt), (2) the presence and/or absence of information from different sensory modalities differentially affected the perception of orientation, self-motion and surround-motion, (3) perceptual and sensorimotor function was initially disrupted upon return to Earth-normal gravity and gradually recovered to preflight levels (individuals readapt), and (4) the longer the exposure to microgravity, the more complete the adaptation, the more profound the postflight disturbances, and the longer the recovery period to preflight levels. While much has been learned about perceptual and sensorimotor reactions and adaptation to microgravity, there is much remaining to be learned about the mechanisms underlying the adaptive changes, and about how intersensory interactions affect perceptual and sensorimotor function during voluntary movements. During space flight, SMS and perceptual disturbances have led to reductions in performance efficiency and sense of well-being. During entry and immediately after landing, such disturbances could have a serious impact on the ability of the commander to land the Orbiter and on the ability of all crew members to egress from the Orbiter, particularly in a non-nominal condition or following extended stays in microgravity. An understanding of spatial orientation and motion perception is essential for developing countermeasures for Space Motion Sickness (SMS) and perceptual disturbances during spaceflight and upon return to Earth. Countermeasures for optimal performance in flight and a successful return to Earth require the development of preflight and in-flight training to help astronauts acquire and maintain a dual adaptive state. Despite the considerable experience with, and use of, an extensive set of countermeasures in the Russian space program, SMS and perceptual disturbances remain an unresolved problem on long-term flights. Reliable, valid perceptual reports are required to develop and refine stimulus rearrangements presented in the PAT devices currently being developed as countermeasures for the prevention of motion sickness and perceptual disturbances during spaceflight, and to ensure a less hazardous return to Earth. Prior to STS-8, crew member descriptions of their perceptual experiences were, at best, anecdotal. Crew members were not schooled in the physiology or psychology of sensory perception, nor were they exposed to the appropriate professional vocabulary. However, beginning with the STS-8 Shuttle flight, a serious effort was initiated to teach astronauts a systematic method to classify and quantify their perceptual responses in space, during entry, and after flight. Understanding, categorizing, and characterizing perceptual responses to spaceflight has been greatly enhanced by implementation of that training system.

Harm, Deborah L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Hemolysis in runners as evidenced by low serum haptoglobin: Implications for preflight monitoring of astronauts

Hematological parameters and serum haptoglobin were examined in 21 male employees of the Kennedy Space Center who were at 3 levels of physical activity: 7 subjects regularly ran more than 40 km (25 miles) per week (Group I); 7 ran 13 to 24 km (8 to 15 miles) per week (II), and 7 were sedentary (III). Blood was drawn on a different day of the week for five weeks. Differences between day of the week, visit number, and activity level were examined. No differences were observed for day of week or visit number; thus mean values for each variable were calculated for each subject. Variables did not differ among groups. However, trends with level of training were observed in some critical variables. Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) conformed to a staircase effect with Group I (14.5 gm/dl and 41.3 percent) lower than Group III (15.1 gm/dl and 42.9 percent). Reticulocyte count was higher and haptoglobin levels lower in Group I (1.35% and 75.7 gm/dl) than Group III (.99 percent and 132.9 gm/dl), with haptoglobin for the high mileage Group I in the clinically abnormal range. Since haptoglobin binds free Hb following RBC destruction, these results suggest that intravascular hemolysis occurs in trained male runners. These results may have special meaning for astronauts training before long-duration spaceflights, since the further reduction in red blood cells which is reported to occur during spaceflight could become detrimental to their health and performance.

Owens, Joyce↗
NASA NTRS1996

The Infrastructure of an Integrated Virtual Reality Environment for International Space Welding Experiment

This study is a continuation of the summer research of 1995 NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program. This effort is to provide the infrastructure of an integrated Virtual Reality (VR) environment for the International Space Welding Experiment (ISWE) Analytical Tool and Trainer and the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) Analytical Tool study. Due to the unavailability of the MSG CAD files and the 3D-CAD converter, little was done to the MSG study. However, the infrastructure of the integrated VR environment for ISWE is capable of performing the MSG study when the CAD files become available. Two primary goals are established for this research. First, the essential peripheral devices for an integrated VR environment will be studied and developed for the ISWE and MSG studies. Secondly, the training of the flight crew (astronaut) in general orientation, procedures, and location, orientation, and sequencing of the welding samples and tools are built into the VR system for studying the welding process and training the astronaut.

Wang, Peter Hor-Ching↗
NASA NTRS1988

Astronauts Number 1

The story of the selection and training of the seven Mercury astronauts is presented. A re-release of US Project Mercury.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2007

PISCES: A "Stepping Stone" to International Space Exploration and Development

The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) was initiated by the Japan/US Science, Technology and Space Application Programs (JUSTSAP) to advance research and education in space exploration technology and systems working closely with the State of Hawaii. Hawaii has a heritage with space exploration including the training of Apollo astronauts and testing of lunar rover systems in some of the most realistic terrestrial sites available. The high altitude dry environment with greater solar insolation, and the dry lunar regolith-like volcanic ash and cratered terrain make Hawaiian sites ideal to support, international space exploration technology development, demonstration, education and training. This paper will summarize development and roles of PISCES in lunar surface analogs, simulations, technology demonstrations, research and training for space exploration technology and systems.

Howell, Joe T.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Initial Testing the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) in Lunar Environment Simulation at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL) in 2022

Understanding how to effectively train for Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) for Artemis missions is critical. Tasked by the new Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program(EHP), a team of stakeholders from engineering and flight operations worked together to test the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility (xEMU) in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab(NBL) simulating the lunar environment. The NBL is a pool in which astronauts are typically trained to complete simulated International Space Station (ISS) EVA tasks in a neutral weigh-out. The overall focus for this test series was evaluating how well the NBL could be used as an effective simulated environment for Artemis lunar EVAs. New NBL support hardware was manufactured to support this test series and update the interfaces to be more representative of xEMU hardware such as a new NBL Portable Life Support System(PLSS)mock-up and umbilical, lights and cameras, and display and control unit (DCU).To simulate the 1/6th-gravity (1/6-g) environment, extra weights were added around the suit to create an accurate center of gravity representation. The Partial Gravity Weigh-out Stand (PGWS) predicted where and how much weight would be required for the 1/6th-G simulation and predicted the center of gravity placement. After the weigh-out attempt was completed, the suited participant would complete a set of directed tasks such as kneeling, object pick-up, and walking to evaluate the weigh-out. To create the lunar environment, sand, boulders, and ramps were added to the pool floor. If time allowed after weigh-out was determined acceptable, the flight operations team would direct the suited participants to complete simulated Artemis EVA tasks using flight-like tools and tool cart. The team also evaluated turning out the overhead lights in the NBL for a portion of some of the test runs and using a solar simulator to create amore realistic lunar south pole lighting environment. The test series completed one unmanned test and nine manned tests. With four of the tests, dual xEMU suited operations were completed with subjects in both the small and large xEMU sizes. Overall, the NBL was able to create an acceptable lunar landscape and ability to have two subjects work side by side in pressurized xEMUs which currently cannot be achieved in other test environments. Achieving a stable 1/6th-G lunar weigh-out and clear, consistent dual suit communications was a challenge for this series. Future work is planned to continue to improve this simulation environment.

spacesuit↗