Human systems integration: process to help minimize human errors, a systems engineering perspective for human space exploration missions

Abstract

This review article highlights the importance of human systems integration (HSI) in human space exploration. One may think of these terms as common sense, some companies even have some regulations in place for something that sounds similar. However, there is still some work to do in order to fully incorporate the human aspect into our aerospace systems, especially today when we are working with complex and multidisciplinary system of systems. For that reason, this article brings the concepts that different programs are using and integrates them, to put into perspective how different disciplines have similar concepts and goals, bringing opportunities for collaboration. Definition of system, system of systems, systems engineering, human systems integration, human error are provided, and how all these come together. Then an assessment is made of various human reliability analysis techniques used in non-aerospace industries, and how they can be applicable to space systems. The use of error prevention HSI tools is discussed, including human in the loop evaluations, usability tests, and workload evaluations. The article dives into the human systems integration domains at the Department of Defense (DoD) and at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A comparison graph was created showing HSI activity across mission lifecycle phases and reviews for a commercial product, the DoD, and NASA, using the SEBoK System Life Cycle Process Model, ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 Systems and Software Engineering International Standard for System Life Cycle Processes, NRC Human-System Integration in the System Development Process, and the Human Systems Integration Practitioner’s Guide NASA/SP-2015-3709. Learning about these tools and processes will aid the architecting and engineering of habitats, vehicles, and simply put systems for deep space missions, for which human limitations and capabilities must be accounted during the design phase and continue throughout the product lifecycle to help minimize human error, hence increasing human and product safety.