The effect of different operations modes on science capabilities during the 2010 Desert RATS test: Insights from the geologist crewmembers

• Published in: Acta astronautica 2013-10, Vol.90 (2), p.356-366
• Main Authors: Bleacher, Jacob E., Hurtado, José M., Young, Kelsey E., Rice, James W., Garry, W. Brent
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analogs; Communication systems; Communications; Crews; Deserts; Field geology; Geology; Human spaceflight; Missions; Planetary geology; Rats; Solar system; Vehicles
• ISSN: 0094-5765; 1879-2030
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2011.10.018

The 2010 Desert RATS field test utilized two Space Exploration Vehicles (prototype planetary rovers) and four crewmembers (2 per rover) to conduct a geologic traverse across northern Arizona while testing continuous and twice-per-day communications paired with operation modes of separating and exploring individually (Divide & Conquer) and exploring together (Lead & Follow), respectively. This report provides qualitative conclusions from the geologist crewmembers involved in this test as to how these modes of communications and operations affected our ability to conduct field geology. Each mode of communication and operation provided beneficial capabilities that might be further explored for future Human Spaceflight Missions to other solar system objects. We find that more frequent interactions between crews and an Apollo-style Science Team on the Earth best enables scientific progress during human exploration. However, during multiple vehicle missions, this communication with an Earth-based team of scientists, who represent “more minds on the problem”, should not come at the exclusion of (or significantly decrease) communication between the crewmembers in different vehicles who have the “eyes on the ground”. Inter-crew communications improved when discussions with a backroom were infrequent. Both aspects are critical and cannot be mutually exclusive. Increased vehicle separation distances best enable encounters with multiple geologic units. However, seemingly redundant visits by multiple vehicles to the same feature can be utilized to provide improved process-related observations about the development and modification of the local terrain. We consider the value of data management, transfer, and accessibility to be the most important lesson learned. Crews and backrooms should have access to all data and related interpretations within the mission in as close to real-time conditions as possible. This ensures that while on another planetary surface, crewmembers are as educated as possible with respect to the observations and data they will need to collect at any moment. ► 2010 Desert RATS field campaign tested modes of operations and communications. ► Geologist crewmembers report their opinions on geology capabilities. ► Each mode demonstrated advantages in field geology capabilities. ► Effective data management, transfer, and display are critical.