CALIFORNIA RESEARCH ANALOG FOR DEEPSPACE AND LUNAR EXPLORATION (CRADLE)

Paper number

IAC-21,A3,IP,18,x62139

Author

Mr. Chrishma Singh-Derewa, United States

Coauthor

Dr. Galina Nicoll, United States, University of Colorado Boulder

Year

2021

Abstract

Testing and evaluation are essential processes for delivering capable technologies that will contribute
to human exploration. Space analog testing centers provide a simulation environment for the validation
of major systems. As the Artemis mission is underway, the aerospace industry finds the need for testing
grounds to identify and solve problems that might arise for autonomous systems that will be essential for
establishing a lunar base. Located in Lucerne valley California, CRADLE (California Research Analog
for Deepspace and Lunar Exploration) provides the terrain needed to simulate operations on the lunar
surface. This is an update of an ongoing project to institute a lunar-like settlement at CRADLE to
evaluate logistical operations for humans, telerobotic, and space resource utilization. A rapid prototyping
approach was used to design the settlement where the analog astronauts simulated tasks that would be
typical in a lunar base. Endto- end simulations for the human-robotic interface are necessary for the
advancement of space exploration. This will render the interest of prospective companies to facilitate
testing, validation, and evaluation of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems. The outcome of these
simulations is of tremendous value and provide support to multiple commercial and private aerospace
organizations to mitigate risk and ensure project success. More importantly, the corporation aims to
advance and assess risks for key technologies in support of but not limited to the Artemis mission and
beyond.

Abstract document

IAC-21,A3,IP,18,x62139.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-21,A3,IP,18,x62139.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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