Development of a Functionality Matrix for a Cognitive Assistant on Long Distance Space Missions

Abstract

This paper discusses the development and application of a Functionality Matrix (FM) technique to design requirements for a Cognitive Assistant (CA) to aid future long distance space missions. Future far-Earth space missions pose challenges due to communication delays between Mission Control and space crew. As communication delays increase, Mission Control is less able to support space crew in off-nominal situations. The FM technique was used to extrapolate the joint decision-making functions performed in current near-Earth operations to functions performed in future, far-Earth space operations, allocated between Mission Control, space crew, and potential automation. Data gathered from document analysis and interviews with astronauts were consolidated to generate the domain knowledge models of the collaborative decision-making process for current space operations. Each function in the decision-making process was examined to extrapolate the current collaborative work of Mission Control and space crew to future space operations under long time delays, when the role of Mission Control must change. The domain knowledge models were also used to identify the functions performed to resolve off-nominal situations in current operations that are most affected by long communication delays. The identified functions constituted the input for the FM. The responsibilities of Mission Control, space crew and CA were categorized in the FM as current and/or future space operations. The FM describes the shared responsibilities between space crew and Mission Control with and without CA support in space operations. The FM was used to describe functional design requirements, and will lead to the development of function allocation rules.