Multiplatform ocean exploration: Insights from the NEEMO space analog mission

Since the beginning of space exploration, methods and protocols of exploration have been developed using space analogs on Earth to reduce research costs, develop safe deployment/retrieval protocols, and ready astronauts for hostile environments in less threatening settings. Space analogs are required as much as ever today as astronauts and scientists develop new tools and techniques for exploration, while working to address evolving mission objectives from low-earth orbit to deepspace exploration. This study examines coordinated human and robotic exploration at the Aquarius Underwater Habitat off of the coast of Key Largo, Florida, in support of the NEEMO 15 (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations) program. The exploration scheme presented in this work fuses (1) robotic precursormissions as a means of remote sensing data collection; (2) crowdsourcing to process immense amounts of data to identify key targets of interest that might be missed in the tight cycle of mission operations; and (3) human exploration to examine locations directly up close and collect physical samples that require involved sampling techniques. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and single-person submersibles, called DeepWorkersâ„¢, were used as underwater analogs of robotic systems currently being used and human-operated vehicles (HOVs) proposed for use on a Near Earth Asteroid (NEA), the Moon, or Mars. In addition to operational lessons learned for space exploration that are directly applicable to ocean exploration, ocean floor mapping provides new levels of detail of benthic habitat critical for coral reef monitoring and management. Opportunistic (onsite adaptive) data sampling also took place by placing self-recording instrumentation onto each of the DeepWorkers, increasing the collection of scientific information during the submersible missions and contributing to mission planning for optimal and efficient use of expensive assets

Performance evaluation of underwater platforms in the context of space exploration

Robotic platforms are essential for future human planetary and lunar exploration as they can operate in more extreme environments with a greater endurance than human explorers. In this era of space exploration, a terrestrial analog that can be used for development of the coordination between manned and robotic vehicles will optimize the scientific return of future missions while concurrently minimizing the downtime of both human explorers and robotic platforms. This work presents the use of underwater exploratory robots – autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), remotely operated vehicles (ROV), and manned submersibles – as analogues for mixed human–robot exploration of space. Subaqueous settings present diverse challenges for navigation, operation and recovery that require the development of an exploration model of a similar complexity as required for space exploration. To capitalize on the strengths of both robotic and human explorers this work presents lessons learnt with respect to the fields of human–robotic interface (HRI) and operator training. These are then used in the development of mission evaluation tools: (1) a task efficiency index (TEI), (2) performance metrics, and (3) exploration metrics. Although these independent evaluations were useful for specific missions, further refinement will be required to fully evaluate the strengths and capabilities of multiple platforms in a human–robotic exploration campaign in order to take advantage of unforeseen science opportunities in remote settings

Scientific field training for human planetary exploration

Forthcoming human planetary exploration will require increased scientific return (both in real time and post-mission), longer surface stays, greater geographical coverage, longer and more frequent EVAs, and more operational complexities than during the Apollo missions. As such, there is a need to shift the nature of astronauts' scientific capabilities to something akin to an experienced terrestrial field scientist. To achieve this aim, the authors present a case that astronaut training should include an Apollo-style curriculum based on traditional field school experiences, as well as full immersion in field science programs. Herein we propose four Learning Design Principles (LDPs) focused on optimizing astronaut learning in field science settings. The LDPs are as follows:. (1)LDP#1: Provide multiple experiences: varied field science activities will hone astronauts' abilities to adapt to novel scientific opportunities(2)LDP#2: Focus on the learner: fostering intrinsic motivation will orient astronauts towards continuous informal learning and a quest for mastery(3)LDP#3: Provide a relevant experience-the field site: field sites that share features with future planetary missions will increase the likelihood that astronauts will successfully transfer learning(4)LDP#4: Provide a social learning experience-the field science team and their activities: ensuring the field team includes members of varying levels of experience engaged in opportunities for discourse and joint problem solving will facilitate astronauts' abilities to think and perform like a field scientist. The proposed training program focuses on the intellectual and technical aspects of field science, as well as the cognitive manner in which field scientists experience, observe and synthesize their environment. The goal of the latter is to help astronauts develop the thought patterns and mechanics of an effective field scientist, thereby providing a broader base of experience and expertise than could be achieved from field school alone. This will enhance their ability to execute, explore and adapt as in-field situations require. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd

A historical overview of the Pavilion Lake Research Project-Analog science and exploration in an underwater environment

As humans venture back to the Moon, or onward to near-Earth objects and Mars, it is expected that the rigors of this exploration will far exceed those of Apollo. Terrestrial analogs can play a key role in our preparations for these complex voyages, since in addition to their scientifi c value, analogs afford the exploration community a means to safely prepare and test exploration strategies for future robotic and human planetary missions. Many relevant analog studies exist, and each is focused on a particular aspect of strategic development. Some analog programs such as the Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP) present the opportunity to investigate both real scientifi c and real exploration scenarios in tandem. The activities of this research program demand the use of techniques, tools, and strategies for underwater scientifi c exploration, and the challenges associated with the scientifi c exploration of Pavilion Lake are analogous to those human explorers will encounter on other planetary and small solar system bodies. The goal of this paper is to provide a historical synopsis of the PLRP's objectives, milestones, and contributions to both the scientifi c and exploration community. Here, we focus on detailing the development and deployment of an integrated science and exploration program with analog application to our understanding of early Earth systems and the preparation for future human space exploration. Over a decade of exploration and discovery is chronicled herein. © 2011 The Geological Society of America.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Archaeal genetics – the third way

For decades, archaea were misclassified as bacteria on account of their prokaryotic morphology. Molecular phylogeny eventually revealed that archaea, like bacteria and eukaryotes, are a fundamentally distinct domain of life. Genome analyses have confirmed that archaea share many features with eukaryotes, particularly in information processing, and therefore can serve as streamlined models for understanding eukaryotic biology. Biochemists and structural biologists have embraced the study of archaea but geneticists have been more wary, despite the fact that genetic techniques for archaea are quite sophisticated. It is high time for geneticists to start asking fundamental questions about our distant relatives