Human Interfaces For Robotic Satellite Servicing

On-orbit servicing (OOS) is growing in importance for the sustainment of certain satellite systems. Although it is more economical to replace satellites in many cases, OOS could be beneficial or even critical for more expensive satellites such as Space-Based Laser and constellations such as the Global Positioning System. Some future OOS missions including refueling and modular component replacement will be highly autonomous, but there will still be a need for humans to supervise and to recover when unexpected situations arise. Non-routine tasks such as damage repair or optics cleaning will likely require a more significant level of human control. The human interfaces for such activities can include body tracking systems; three-dimensional audio and video; tactile feedback devices; and others. This paper will provide some insights into when and at what level human interaction may be needed for OOS tasks. Example missions will be discussed and the argument will be made that human interfaces are important even for primarily autonomous missions. Finally some current research efforts within NASA, academia and the military will be discussed including research being conducted in the Human Sensory Feedback Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.