Immersive simulation is a staple of training for many complex system operators, including astronauts and ground operators of spacecraft. However, while much has been written about simulators, simulation facilities, and operator certification programs, the topic of how one develops simulation scenarios to train a spacecraft operator is relatively understated in the literature. In this paper, an approach is presented for using control theory as the basis for developing the immersive simulation scenarios for a spacecraft operator training program. The operator is effectively modeled as a high level controller of lower level hardware and software control loops that affect a select set of system state variables. Simulation scenarios are derived from a STAMP-based hazard analysis of the operator's high and low level control loops. The immersive simulation aspect of the overall training program is characterized by selecting a set of scenarios that expose the operator to the various inadequate control actions that stem from control flaws and inadequate control executions in the different sections of the typical control loop. Results from the application of this approach to the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) mission are provided through an analysis of the simulation scenarios used for operator training and the actual anomalies that occurred during the mission. The simulation scenarios and inflight anomalies are mapped to specific control flaws and inadequate control executions in the different sections of the typical control loop to illustrate the characteristics of anomalies arising from the different sections of the typical control loop (and why it is important for operators to have exposure to these characteristics). Additionally, similarities between the simulation scenarios and inflight anomalies are highlighted to make the case that the simulation scenarios prepared the operators for the mission.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    SimSup's Loop: A Control Theory Approach to Spacecraft Operator Training


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    IEEE Aerospace Conference ; 2015 ; Big Sky, Montana, United States


    Publication date :

    2015-03-13


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    SimSup's Loop: A control theory approach to spacecraft operator training

    Owens, Brandon D. / Crocker, Alan R. | IEEE | 2015


    Spacecraft Operator Training with Virtual Team MATES

    Pfau, Jens / Schuenemann, Sascha / Morgan, Michael D. | AIAA | 2016



    Visual Attention Relates to Operator Performance in Spacecraft Docking Training

    Piechowski, Sarah Madeleine / Johannes, Bernd / Pustowalow, Willi et al. | German Aerospace Center (DLR) | 2022

    Free access

    Spacecraft Operator Duty of Care

    Rendleman, J. / Ryals, R. / American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2011