NASA Conference Publication 3127, Vol. I Fifth Annual Workshop on Space Operations Applications and Research (SOAR '91) Kumar Krishcn, Editor NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas Proceedings of a workshop sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and cosponsored by the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, and held at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas July 9-11, 1991 N/k._A National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Management Scientific and Technical Information Program 1992 ! INTRODUCTION Kumar Krishen, Ph.D. Operations 1,as the term applies to the Nation's civil defense and space programs, constitutes a broad spectrum of activities and associated facilities that enable the conduct of a program or a mission to achieve the desired goals or objectives. They include Earth-based, in-flight, in-space, and planetary surface-based operations. Mission plans, schedules, and logistics are integral parts of operations. With regard to the conduct of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA has become increasingly conscious of the need for improving operations efficiency. The goal of operations efficiency efforts is to provide systems, services, and the infrastructure to enable safe operations at a substantially reduced cost. The operations Work Breakdown Structure typically includes space automation and robotics, training systems, in-space operations, ground operations, and associated information and communications infrastructure. In particular, recent advances in software technology and knowledge engineering are deemed crucial in providing revolutionary capabilities for operations associated with the space programs. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Air Force have recognized the need for continued interaction in the area of space operations technology and formed the Space Operations Technology Subcommittee (SOTS) under the NASA/Air Force Space Technology Interdependency Group (STIG). The membership of the SOTS is listed in Table I. The goals of SOTS include the following: • Interchange technical and programmatic ini'ormation related to space operations • Sharelessonslearned • Identify areas ofcommon/mutual interest • Encourage interdependent programs In the past 6 years, the SOTS has identified research and applications areas with significant potential for Air Force and NASA programs. These areas are intelligent systems, automation and robotics, life sciences, environmental interactions, and human factors. The focus of the SOTS is on the research and technology areas, which have applications to both NASA and the Air Force. Thus, the coordination and joint pursuit in these areas of overlap (see figure 1) would provide savings for both agencies. In addition to program reviews, meetings, and written communication, the SOTS conducts the Space Operations, Applications and Research (SOAR) symposium and exhibition annually. This symposium and exhibition has become an invaluable tool to review the progress made in existing joint programs and to identify new areas for joint or collaborative efforts. Table II presents the program overview and personnel responsible for SOAR '91. This document contains papers presented at the Space Operations, Applications and Research Symposium, hosted by the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and held at JSC in Houston, Texas, on July 9 - 11, 1991. More than 110 papers were presented at the Symposium, sponsored by the US. Air Force Phillips Laboratory, the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and NASA JSC. The technical t"Advanced Technologies for NASA Space Programs," K, Krishen, Proceedings of the 10th Annual International Space Development Conference, SanAntonio, Texas, May 17-22, 1991. +°! 1II PRECED!NG PAGE BLANK NOT PILMED areas covered were Intelligent Systems, Automation and Robotics, Human Factors and Life Sciences, and Environmental Interactions. The US. Air Force and NASA programmatic overviews and panel discussions were also held in each technical area. A keynote session chaired by Dr. Aaron Cohen, Director of the Johnson Space Center, was organized to provide Agencywide perspective of technology programs for both the Air Force and NASA. The keynote addresses of Maj. Gen. Robert Rankine, Jr., and Mr. Arnold Aldrich, who serve as the co-chairmen for the STIG, are included in this document. These proceedings, along with the comments and suggestions made by the panelists and keynote speakers, will be used in assessing the progress made in joint USAF/NASA projects and activities. Furthermore, future collaborative/joint programs will also be identified. The SOAR '91 Symposium and Exhibition is the responsibility of the Space Operations Technology Subcommittee (SOTS) of the USAF/NASA Space Technology Interdependency Group (STIG). The Symposium proceedings include papers covering various disciplines presented by experts from NASA, the Air Force, universities and industry. TABLE I. MEMBERSHIP OF SOTS Phillips Laboratory Marshall Space Flight Center Melvin Rogers, Co-chairman Mr. E.C. Smith Capt. Jim Skinner Lt. Col. Gale Nelson Kennedy Space Center Mr. Tom Davis Armstrong Laboratory Col. Donald Spoon Johnson Space Center Capt. Ron Julian Dr. Kumar Krishen, Co-chairman Dr. Samuel G. Schiflett Mr. Robert Savely Dr. Howard Schneider SDIO/ES Mr. Richard Iliff Jet Propulsion Laboratory Mr. Wayne Schober AFOSR/NM Dr. Abe Waksman Langley Research Center Mr. Jack Pennington Wright Laboratory Ames Research Center Capt. Mike Wellman Mr. Allen Fernquist AFOSRL/NL Dr. Michael Shafto Dr. John Tangney Dr. Mary Connors NASA Headquarters Lewis Research Center Mr. Mark Gersh Dr. Dale Ferguson Mr. Geoff Giffin X101325M iv TABLE II. PROGRAM AND RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL Program Symposium Coordinators SOAR '91willinclude USAF and NASA programmatic Symposium General Chair: • Dr. Kumar Krishen, NASA/JSC overviews, panel sessions,exhibits,and technical papers inthe following areas: Assistant General Chair: • Mr. Mel Rogers, Phillips Laboratory • Intelligent Systems • Automation and Robotics Technical Coordinators: • Capt. Jim Skinner, • Life Sciences Phillips Laboratory • Human Factors • Mr. Robert T. Savely, NASA/JSC • Environmental Interactions Administrative Co-Chairs: • Ms. Carla Armstrong, Barrios Technical Sessions and Exhibit Hours Technology, Inc. • Dr. Glenn Freedman, University Tuesday, July 9 8:00 am -7:00 pm ofHouston- Clear Lake Wednesday, July I0 8:00 am -7:00 pm Thursday, July II 8:00 am -Noon Exhibit Co-Chairs: • Mr. Charles Pittman, NASA/JSC • Mr. EllisHenry, I-NET, Inc. Welcome/Opening Addresses (July 9, 8:30- 9:30) • Ms. Bette Benson, University ofHouston -Clear Lake NASA/Air Force Mr. GeoffGiffin -NASA Headquarters Technical Area Coordinators Dr. Allan Schell -Air Force Systems Command Panel Discussion (July 9, 3:30 -5:00) NASA USAF Technology Requirements Intelligent Mr. Mark Gersh Capt. Jim Skinner Systems NASA/HQ Phillips Laboratory Moderator: Dr. Kumar Krishen -NASA/JSC Panelists:GeoffGiffin,Mr. Peter Ahlf- NASA/HQ, Automation Mr. Jack Pennington Capt. Ron Julian Mr. James Romero, Col.Ray Barker/USAF and Robotics NASA/LaRC Armstrong Laboratory Keynote Session (July 10, 6:30- 9:30) Life Dr. Howard Schneider Dr. Samuel G. Schiflett Sciences NSA/JSC Armstrong Laboratory Master ofCeremonies: Dr. Aaron Cohen -NASA/JSC Keynote Speakers: Major General Robert Rankine, Jr.- Human Ms. Mary Connors Col. Donald Spoon Air Force Systems Command and Mr. Arnold Aldrich- Factors NASA/ARC Armstrong Laboratory NASA/HQ Environmental Dr. Dale Ferguson Lt. Col. Gale Nelson Exhibitors Interactions NASA/LeRC Phillips Laboratory Computer Sciences Corp. McDonnell Douglas Deneb Robotics NASA/Ames Research Center DigitalEquipment NASA/Johnson Space Center EXOS Oracle Corp. NASA/Goddard Space Rice University Flight Center Rockwell-Downey Grumman Corp. SiliconGraphics Hewlett Packard Space Industries IBM Federal Sector Template Graphics IntelliCorp Togai InfraLogic KRUG Life Sciences University ofLowell Lockheed USAF LinCom Corp. v Operations Technologies and NASA Air Force Operations, Operations, Research and Research and Technology Technology SOTS Focus Space operations technology applications and research of mutual interest to the Air Force and NASA X101324M Figure 1. The SOTS Domain of Technologies vi MESSAGES General Chair, Dr. Kumar Krishen NASA Johnson Space Center The goals of the Space Operations Technology Subcommittee (SOTS) of the Space Technology Interdependency Group (STIG) include interchange of technical and programmatic information, sharing of lessons learned, and the identification of interdependent programs related to space operations. The SOAR Symposium and Exposition has been, and continues to be, an excellent means to accomplish most of the SOTS goals. This is the fifth time the Air Force and NASA will host the Symposium and Exposition to evaluate progress of our ongoing efforts and identify future cooperative programs. To this end, exhibits, technical papers, panel discussions, and programmatic reviews have been planned for the technical interchange. The present fiscal climate of our nation makes it incumbent upon us to avoid duplication and embark on cooperative and joint technology development for Air Force and NASA applications. With your participation, I believe we can achieve this coveted goal and advance the future programs of both NASA and the Air Force. Assistant General Chair, Mel Rogers, Kirtland AFB As the new Air Force Co-Chairman for the Space Operations Technology Subcommittee, I would like to welcome your participation in the 1991 SOAR Conference. The past year has been a dynamic one within the Air Force. We have seen the restructuring of the Air Force. We have seen the restructuring of the Air Force laboratories and the implementation of Project Reliance to increase cooperation between the services. As a result of the restructuring, the Phillips Laboratory has been designated as the new Air Force superlab dedicated to developing technologies for space. Our participation in past SOAR conferences has enabled Air Force and NASA program and project managers to reduce the duplication of effort and revealed new application areas for existing technologies. In addition, it has given the experts from both organizations the opportunity to exchange information about the technologies that are critical to space operations. The contacts that have resulted from these interchanges are a valuable resource that lasts year 'round. This year's workshop promises to be another excellent forum to exchange technical information and identify opportunities for joint and cooperative ventures related to space. I look forward to meeting with tll of you at SOAR '91. I know that with your participation the conference will be informative and productive. vii _ - . . KEYNOTE ADDRESSES Maj. General Robert R. Rankine MAINTAINING TECHNOLOGICAL AND INDUSTRIAL SUPERIORITY Ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honor for me to be with you this evening. I would like to begin my opening remarks by sharing with you a reminder from our late president--John F. Kennedy: "The most powerful single force in the world today is neither communism nor capitalism; neither the H-Bomb nor the guided missile--it is man's eternal desire to be free." Freedom is the greatest gift a nation can offer its people. In a world plagued by constant turmoil and by war, in a world where most of the population is ruled by dictatorship, America's technological and industrial superiority has sustained the beacon of freedom throughout the world, providing all of us hope for a better future. America won the cold war with technology. We won decisively in the Kuwaiti theater. However, the overall U.S. lead in technology relative to the rest of the world has eroded over the last 20 years, and the outlook is for greater technological competition in the future. In the years ahead, the US. will face major challenges resulting from increased foreign competition and erosion of our technological and industrial base. Our declining industrial competitiveness is a potential source of international instability, a threat to our industrial self-sufficiency, both military and commercial, and the key to becoming a second-rate economy. The prospects of increased international competition and the relative decline in our technological and industrial base have recently received high-level attention. For example, according to Donald Atwood, Deputy Secretary of Defense, "The deterioration of America's industrial base is one of the most pressing issues facing the Department of Defense." To prevent the continual erosion of our industrial base, we must enhance our technology base. As funds decline, technological superiority will become the backbone of deterrence and stability in the 1990s. Foreign competition, the relative decline in our industrial base, and the combined problems of technology diffusion and weapons proliferation will all make it that much harder to keep our technical edge. We must plan carefully, finding ways to do our business better, and advance technologies that will ensure America's future security and economic growth. Space is one of the major technological areas that will accomplish this goal and provide us with the greatest future flexibility. The importance of space for national defense, technological, and industrial growth has grown--and will continue to grow. If this country is to maintain its historic leadership role, our commitment and dedication to space activities must continue to expand. In fact, as we have seen from "Operation Just Cause" and from "Desert Storm," space systems have become an integral part of military operations. Rather prophetically, several months prior to the incidents that led up to Desert Storm, Secretary Rice remarked: "Space is a natural extension of the Air Force's operating medium. In an unstable world with refocused threats, space offers stability and control...to be a 21st century superpower, the United States needs the ability to help friends and quell enemies within hours. Only with aerospace forces can you concentrate and reconcentrate power that quickly." ix PRECEDING P,_GE _LA_!K NOT PIL,_E'D