Robotic and astronaut tasks related to crew safety for exploration of a lunar pole.
- Paper number
IAC-08.A5.2.9
- Author
Mr. Jason Hochstein, International Space University, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Lealem Mulugeta, International Space University (ISU), Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Dexter Jagula, International Space University (ISU), Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Justin Park, International Space University (ISU), United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Matthew Turnock, McMaster University, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Michael Demel, International Space University (ISU), Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Romain Chasseigne, International Space University (ISU), France
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Several of the world's major space agencies have announced plans to return humans to the Moon within the next two to three decades. Primary objectives for these missions include using the Moon as a stepping-stone towards crewed missions to Mars, testing advanced technology, and furthering exploration of the Moon for scientific research and in-situ resource utilization. Safety to crewmembers throughout these missions will be paramount, raising the concern that certain tasks during surface excursions may pose unnecessary risks to astronauts and could potentially be handled by robots. An interdisciplinary understanding of the symbiotic relationship between astronauts and robots in future lunar missions is required to maximize the crew's productivity while avoiding potential hazards. By analyzing past lunar missions, current examples of human-machine interactions, and current conceptual lunar mission architectures, this paper defines the separate and cooperative tasks of astronauts and robots in the exploration of a lunar pole based on acceptable astronaut risks and robotic capabilities. Protocols for emergency scenarios involving the interaction of humans and robots are outlined, with additional ethical, legal, and budgetary considerations that maintain lunar mission cost-effectiveness and efficiency while emphasizing crew safety.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.A5.2.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.