Shelby Thompson

A Comparison of the Unpressurized Rover and Small Pressurized Rover during a Desert Field Evaluation

To effectively explore the lunar surface, astronauts will need a transportation vehicle which can traverse all types of terrain. Currently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) is investigating two lunar rover configurations to meet such a requirement. Under the Lunar Electric Rover (LER) project, a comparison study between the unpressurized rover (UPR) and the small pressurized rover (SPR) was conducted at the Black Point Lava Flow in Arizona. The objective of the study was to obtain human-in-the-loop performance data on the vehicles with respect to human-machine interfaces, vehicle impacts on crew productivity, and scientific observations. Four male participants took part in four, one-day field tests using the exact same terrain and scientific sites for an accurate comparison between vehicle configurations. Subjective data was collected using several human factors performance measures. Results indicate either vehicle configuration was generally acceptable for a lunar mission; however, the SPR configuration was preferred over the UPR configuration priminarly for the SPRs ability to cause less fatigue and enabling greater crew productivity.

Human Habitation in a Lunar Electric Rover during a 14-Day Field Trial

Various military and commercial entities, as well as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), have conducted space-cabin confinement studies. However, after an extensive literature search, only one study was found using a simulated lunar rover (LUNEX II), under laboratory conditions, with a crew of two for an 18-day lunar mission. Forty-three years later, NASA human-factors engineers conducted a similar study using the Lunar Electric Rover (LER) in a dynamic real-world lunar simulation at the Black Point Lava Flow in Arizona. The objective of the study was to obtain human-in-the-loop performance data on the vehicles interior volume with respect to human-system interfaces, crew accommodations, and habitation over a 14-day mission. Though part of a larger study including 212 overall operational elements, this paper will discuss only the performance of fifty different daily habitational elements within the confines of the vehicle carried out by two male subjects. Objective timing data and subjective questionnaire data were collected. Results indicate, much like the LUNEX II study, the LER field study suggest that a crew of two was able to maintain a satisfactory performance of tasks throughout the 14-day field trail within a relative small vehicle volume.

Determining Window Placement and Configuration for the Small Pressurized Rover (SPR)

A natural component to driving any type of vehicle, whether Earth-based or space-based, is visibility. In its simplest form, visibility is a measure of the distance at which an object can be seen. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have human factors guidelines for the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS) windows, in terms of ergonomics and safety. However, there is little research with respect to lunar vehicles. The goal of the current study was to obtain preliminary human-in-the-loop data on window placement and configuration for the small pressurized rover (SPR). Nine participants evaluated multiple areas along the vehicles front “nose”, while actively maneuvering through several lunar driving simulations. Subjective data was collected on areas of necessity, frequency of views, and placement/configuration of windows. Results indicated a desire for large field-of-view windows spanning the front of the vehicle with slightly reduced window areas for the lower front, lower corners, and side views.

An Evaluation of the Long Duration use of an Head Mounted Display

The goal of the current study was to fill a gap in the literature concerning the long duration use of a near-eye head/helmet mounted display (HMD). This research has been an ongoing endeavor to create a Mobile Information SysTem (MIST) that could aid in Intravehicular (IVA) and Extravehicular (EVA) activities with astronauts. There have been numerous publications discussing the use of near-eye HMDs, or immersive environments, and physiological side effects, but relatively none examining long duration effects. Two participants wore the MIST, including a near-eye HMD, for approximately four hours to examine the long duration effects. Using a Cooper Harper, Corlett and Bishop Discomfort Scale, and NASA TLX, we found little to no significant differences between participants over time, and in most cases, scores improved with time. These results suggest that persons can don and use an HMD for long periods of time with no physical side effects.

Hatch Size Evaluation for the Altair Lunar Sortie Habitat

Issues of moving through hatchways and related design problems of hatch size and shape were investigated for the Altair lunar habitat. To insure proper usability and safety, the goal of the current study was to understand the critical dimensions necessary for proper translation through the hatch by manipulating size (height, width, step over height, and overall height) and shape (rectangular and circular). A single participant donning a pressurized rear-entry integrated (REI) Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suit was timed and video recorded as participant accomplished various translations through a mockup hatch. Objective performance measures consisted of time and contact data with the hatch, while subjective data was obtained using the Cooper-Harper Qualities Ratings, Corlett and Bishop Discomfort Scale, a Physical Effort scale, and a functionality questionnaire. Correlation analysis discovered a significant relationship between the hatch dimension of height and all of the performance measures, as well as, step over and overall height with some of the dependent scores.