The Habitat Demonstration Unit Project: Test Operations

Abstract

The Lunar Surface System (LSS) Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) will be required to support the readiness testing operations and the remote field testing operations planned for evaluating proposed LSS architectural scenarios. From the performance of the HDU's initial subsystem evaluations to its scheduled rollout in early July 2010 at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) to its shipment to the field in mid-August 2010, the HDU will benefit from well-planned strategies to mitigate risks and ensure the various phases of field test operations are successfully executed. In cooperation with the activities associated with the overall integrated design and outfitting of the HDU systems, the project's team will incorporate design features which enable robust test operations capabilities both locally at JSC and at remote field test sites. Additionally, a suite of specialized equipment will be acquired or developed to meet the demanding needs of remote field testing. This will include long-haul transportation equipment, provisions for off-loading and reloading the sizable HDU, a robust portable power supply system, and remote site test operations team support facilities. Finally, a thorough, well-developed set of operational procedures will be utilized by the team to support the different HDU field testing configurations and to ensure smooth integrated operations with the other prototype lunar surface elements being evaluated during the field test.