|
--- Abstract
– Full Paper - Profile ---
Abstract: The conceptual designs, interior layouts
and operational performances of three pressurised rover prototypes - Aonia,
Ares and Everest - were field tested during a recent simulation at the Mars
Desert Research Station in Utah. A human factors
experiment, in which the same crew of three executed the same simulated
science mission in each of the three vehicles, yielded comparative data on
the capacity of each vehicle to safely and comfortably carry explorers away
from the main base, enter and exit the vehicle in spacesuits, perform science
tasks in the field, and manage geological and biological samples. As well as
offering recommendations for design improvements for specific vehicles, the
results suggest that a conventional SUV would not be suitable for analog
field work; that a pressurised docking tunnel to the main habitat is
desirable; that better provisions for spacesuit don/doffing and storage are
required; and that a crew consisting of one driver/navigator and two field
science crew specialists may be optimal. From a field operations viewpoint, a
recurring conflict between rover and habitat crews at the time of return to
the habitat was observed.
An
analysis of these incidents leads to proposed refinements of operational
protocols, specific crew training for rover returns and again points to the
need for a pressurised docking tunnel. A 'leap-frog' incremental development
methodology aimed at producing ever higher fidelity rover analogs is
advocated.
PROFILE: Dr
Graham Mann is an engineer, specialising in robotics and
human-machine interactions. After taking a psychology degree and doing
research in psychophysiology at the University
of WA’s Biofeedback Laboratory, he
moved to the University
of NSW, to study for a
Master’s degree in cognitive science, and later a PhD in artificial
intelligence. He is currently Senior Lecturer, School of Information
Technology, BITL, Murdoch University, and has designed and built a number of
innovative robots, including a walking biped and a domestic floor-cleaning
machine. Graham took part in the Jarntimarra-1 expedition, is a director of
Mars Society Australia, and Manager of the Starchaser Marsupial Rover
project. |
