On NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed mission of the Artemis campaign, two NASA astronauts and one Canadian Space Agency astronaut will take control and manually fly the Orion spacecraft for the first time. This will be a key test called the proximity operations demonstration, which will evaluate the handling qualities of the spacecraft. The mission aims to ensure that the spacecraft operates as designed with humans aboard before future missions to the Moon’s surface.
Piloting Test During Artemis II
The piloting test, called the proximity operations demonstration, will take place about three hours into the mission after the crew members are safely in space. The crew will use two different controllers, rotational and translational hand controllers, to steer the spacecraft. The rotational hand controller (RHC) will control Orion’s attitude, allowing the crew to rotate the spacecraft and control its direction. The translational hand controller (THC) will allow movement of the spacecraft from one point to another, enabling the crew to move forward, back up, and move in different directions.
During the test, the crew members will also use the cursor control device to interact with the three display screens that provide them with spacecraft data and information. This device allows the crew to interact with the screens even under the forces of launch or entry when physical reaching may be difficult.
Flight Software and Upgrades
Orion’s flight software, developed and tested by Lockheed Martin, detects the commands given by the crew through the controllers and determines which reaction control system thrusters to fire and when. These thrusters, located on Orion’s service module, provide small amounts of thrust in any direction to steer the spacecraft and control its rotation.
The data collected during Artemis II’s flight test objectives will be used to upgrade and improve the control systems of Orion for future missions. The aim is to facilitate success for upcoming missions and ensure the spacecraft’s readiness for more complicated tasks, such as docking to another spacecraft or a lunar space station.
Importance of Manual Control and Future Recommendations
The ability for crew members to manually control and fly Orion is crucial for mission success. If something goes wrong during autonomous flight, a crewmember can take control and help fix the problem. This highlights the importance of continually testing and refining manual control systems for spacecraft.
For the industry, future trends related to these themes may include advancements in human-machine interfaces and control systems. Improving the ease of use and intuitiveness of controllers and devices will be essential in ensuring effective and safe manual piloting during space missions. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and automation in spacecraft control systems may enhance the capabilities and responsiveness of spacecraft, further reducing the risk of human error and improving overall mission success.
Furthermore, as space exploration continues to expand, considerations for long-duration space missions, such as those to Mars, should be taken into account. Developing control systems and interfaces that can handle extended periods of manual piloting and account for potential crew fatigue and physiological changes will be crucial for future deep space exploration.
Conclusion
The Artemis II mission and the manual piloting test during the flight around the Moon are significant milestones in NASA’s Artemis campaign. The data collected from this test will inform future upgrades and improvements to Orion’s control systems. As the space industry advances, it is crucial to prioritize the development of intuitive control interfaces and advanced automation to enhance spacecraft maneuverability and overall mission success. With these advancements, the future of space exploration looks promising, and humanity’s ability to venture further into the cosmos will continue to expand.
References:
NASA. (2021). How to Fly Orion: Astronauts Test Manual Control Systems for Future Artemis Missions. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/news/feature/how-to-fly-orion-astronauts-test-manual-control-systems-for-future-artemis-missions