Comparison of Manual Attitude Control Methods for Spacecraft De-Orbit Using Virtual Reality Simulation

Conceitos essenciais

Bottom view is easier to operate than front view for manual spacecraft de-orbit maneuver.

Resumo

The study compared two types of external visual references - bottom view (where the entire circular Earth horizon disk is visible) and front view (where an arc of the Earth's horizon is visible) - for manual spacecraft attitude control during de-orbit. The study was conducted using a custom-built virtual reality (VR) spacecraft simulator with a 3-axis joystick control.
Key findings:

Bottom view resulted in shorter task completion time and lower cognitive workload compared to front view for both military test pilots and civilian participants.
Fuel consumption showed different trends between the two groups, with front view being more efficient for pilots and bottom view being similar for both groups.
Eye-tracking and EEG analysis revealed lower saccade velocity and higher engagement index for the bottom view condition.
Pilots expressed a stronger preference for the bottom view based on the IBM SUS scores.
The study demonstrates the effectiveness of VR-based simulations for evaluating spacecraft human-machine interfaces. The results can inform the design of manual attitude control systems for present and future spacecraft, particularly for the critical de-orbit maneuver.

Estatísticas

The task completion time was less in the bottom view compared to the front view for both the military test pilots and civilian participants.
Fuel consumption had different trends for civilians and pilots. For the front view, it was higher for civilians than pilots, while for the bottom view, it was nearly the same for both groups.

Citações

"Bottom view was easier to operate for manual de-orbit task."
"A VR based system can work as a training simulator for manual on-orbit flight path control tasks by astronauts (both pilots and non-pilots)."

Principais Insights Extraídos De

Comparison of On-Orbit Manual Attitude Control Methods for Non-Docking Spacecraft Through Virtual Reality Simulation

by Ajit Krishna... às arxiv.org 04-23-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.13933.pdf

Perguntas Mais Profundas

How can the findings from this study be applied to the design of manual attitude control systems for other critical spacecraft maneuvers, such as rendezvous and docking?

The findings from this study, which compared the efficiency of bottom view versus front view for manual de-orbiting maneuvers, can be extrapolated to the design of manual attitude control systems for other critical spacecraft maneuvers like rendezvous and docking. For instance, the study revealed that the bottom view was easier to operate for the de-orbit task, indicating that it could potentially be more effective for maneuvers that require precise orientation adjustments, such as docking. Designers could consider incorporating bottom view options in spacecraft with critical manual control tasks, especially those that involve aligning with specific targets or docking ports. By providing a comprehensive external visual reference, similar to what was observed in the study, spacecraft operators can have better situational awareness and improved control over the spacecraft during intricate maneuvers like rendezvous and docking.

What are the potential limitations of using a VR-based simulation for evaluating spacecraft human-machine interfaces, and how can these be addressed?

While VR-based simulations offer a realistic and immersive environment for evaluating spacecraft human-machine interfaces, there are potential limitations that need to be considered. One limitation is the fidelity of the simulation compared to actual spacecraft operations. VR simulations may not fully replicate the physical constraints and feedback experienced in real spacecraft, leading to discrepancies in user experience and performance. To address this, designers can enhance the simulation's realism by incorporating haptic feedback systems that provide tactile sensations to users, mimicking the physical interactions in space.
Another limitation is the potential for simulation sickness or discomfort in users, especially during prolonged VR sessions. Motion sickness and eye strain can impact the effectiveness of the evaluation and skew the results. Designers can address this by optimizing the VR environment for comfort, such as adjusting display settings, minimizing latency, and providing regular breaks for users to rest their eyes and reduce fatigue. Additionally, incorporating ergonomic design principles in the VR interface can help mitigate discomfort and enhance user engagement during the evaluation process.

What other factors, such as spacecraft size, mass, or propulsion system, might influence the effectiveness of bottom view versus front view for manual attitude control during de-orbit?

Several factors related to spacecraft characteristics, such as size, mass, and propulsion system, can influence the effectiveness of bottom view versus front view for manual attitude control during de-orbit maneuvers.

Spacecraft Size: Larger spacecraft with complex geometries may present challenges in visibility and spatial awareness when using a bottom view. In such cases, a front view that provides a more focused perspective of the surroundings could be more effective for precise maneuvering and control.

Spacecraft Mass: The mass distribution of the spacecraft can affect its stability and response to manual control inputs. A bottom view that offers a comprehensive view of the Earth's horizon may be advantageous for maintaining stability during de-orbit maneuvers, especially for heavier spacecraft where precise orientation is crucial.

Propulsion System: The type and placement of propulsion systems on the spacecraft can impact the visibility and control requirements during manual attitude adjustments. For spacecraft with propulsion systems located in specific orientations, a front view that aligns with the thrust direction may be more suitable for accurate maneuvering and control.

Considering these factors, designers should tailor the choice between bottom view and front view based on the specific characteristics and requirements of the spacecraft to optimize manual attitude control effectiveness during critical maneuvers like de-orbit.