Autonomous Payload Operations Onboard the International Space Station

Howard K. Stetson, Craig A. Cruzen, David K. Deitsch, Angie T. Haddock
2007 2007 IEEE Aerospace Conference  
Operating the International Space Station (ISS) involves many complex crew tended, ground operated and combined systems. Over the life of the ISS program, it has become evident that by having automated and autonomous systems on board, more can be accomplished and at the same time reduce the workload of the crew and ground operators. Engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville Alabama, working in collaboration with The
more » ... Stark Draper Laboratory have developed an autonomous software system that uses the Timeliner User Interface Language and expert logic to continuously monitor ISS payload systems, issue commands and signal ground operators as required. This paper describes the development history of the system, its concept of operation and components. The paper also discusses the testing process as well as the facilities used to develop the system. The paper concludes with a description of future enhancement plans for use on the ISS as well as potential applications to Lunar and Mars exploration systems. '
doi:10.1109/aero.2007.352984 fatcat:nnocitghcbf53grcdvsmhzet2q