Using Telerobotic Operations to Increase EVA Effectiveness: Aerobrake Assembly Neutral Buoyancy Testing

Abstract

Space telerobotics have great potential for increasing the effectiveness of extravehicular activity (EVA), which is required for Space Station Freedom assembly and operation and is key to the feasibility of Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) missions. Current projected needs for EVA exceed the available resources. This paper will discuss results of neutral buoyancy assembly testing of the Mars aerobrake, which must be assembled or deployed on orbit, performed under McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Company independent research and development in April 1992. Guidelines will be suggested for dividing tasks between EVA and robotics, providing effective communications for joint EVAltelerobotic operations, ensuring safety of the EVA crew in proximity to a telerobot, providing adequate viewing for telerobot control, and evaluating hardware design for simultaneous EVA and telerobot compatibility. These results apply to Space Station Freedom operations as well as SEI missions.