Autonomous Control and the Future of Human Spaceflight

Abstract

As humans look to explore the solar system beyond low Earth orbit, the technology advancements required point heavily towards autonomy.  The operation of complex human spacecraft has thus far been solved with heavy human involvement- full ground control rooms and nearly constantly inhabited spacecraft.  As the goal of space exploration moves to beyond the International Space Station, the physical and budgetary constraints of business as usual become overwhelming.  A new paradigm of delivering spacecraft and other assets capable of self-maintenance and self-operation prior to launching crew solves many problems- and at the same time, it opens up an array of interesting control problems.  This talk will focus on robotic and autonomous vehicle system