How do you include human factors in spacecraft systems engineering?

1 What is HFE?

HFE is the discipline that studies how humans interact with technology, environment, and tasks in various domains. HFE aims to optimize human performance, health, and well-being by applying scientific principles and methods to design, evaluate, and improve systems, products, and processes. HFE covers a wide range of topics, such as ergonomics, usability, human-computer interaction, cognitive engineering, human error, and human reliability.

2 Why is HFE important for spacecraft systems engineering?

Spacecraft systems engineering is the process of defining, developing, integrating, testing, and operating spacecraft systems that meet mission objectives and requirements. It involves multiple disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, thermal, propulsion, communication, and software engineering. However, it must also take into account the human element since humans are both the users and operators of spacecraft systems. Human Factors Engineering (HFE) is important for spacecraft systems engineering because it can enhance safety, efficiency, and effectiveness by reducing human error and increasing reliability. It can also improve usability, functionality, and compatibility by aligning them with human capabilities, limitations, and preferences. HFE can support the health, comfort, and satisfaction of crew and passengers by addressing their physical, psychological, and social needs in space. Additionally, it can facilitate communication among human and non-human agents by designing interfaces that are intuitive and consistent.

3 How do you apply HFE to spacecraft systems engineering?

HFE is not a solitary practice in spacecraft systems engineering, but rather an integral and cyclical part of the system life cycle. It should be implemented from the onset of conceptual design to the later stages of operation and maintenance, and it should be coordinated with other engineering disciplines and stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and balanced system design. To apply HFE to spacecraft systems engineering, you should firstly define the mission objectives and requirements, including the human factors requirements that specify desired outcomes, criteria, and constraints for human performance, health, and well-being in the spacecraft system. Secondly, you should identify and analyze the human factors issues and risks that may affect the mission objectives and requirements. Thirdly, you must generate and evaluate alternative design solutions that address the human factors issues and risks. Fourthly, you should implement and verify the selected design solution. Lastly, you should monitor and improve the operational performance of the spacecraft system.

4 What are some examples of HFE in spacecraft systems engineering?

HFE has been applied to many aspects of spacecraft systems engineering, such as the design of the cockpit, cabin, and extravehicular activity (EVA) suits for the Space Shuttle, which considered ergonomics, anthropometry, and biomechanics of the crew; the International Space Station (ISS), which focused on health, comfort, and satisfaction of the crew; the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), which considered human reliability, error, and resilience; and the Commercial Crew Program (CCP), which looked at safety, efficiency, and effectiveness for different types of users. Usability, functionality, compatibility of controls and displays, communication, coordination and collaboration among crew members, cognitive engineering, human-computer interaction and situation awareness were all taken into account when designing these spacecraft systems.

5 What are some challenges and opportunities for HFE in spacecraft systems engineering?

Human Factors Engineering (HFE) in spacecraft systems engineering faces many challenges and opportunities. These include the complexity and uncertainty of the space environment and missions, which necessitate adaptive and robust system design and operation. Additionally, the diversity and variability of the human users and operators of spacecraft systems require flexible and customizable system design and operation. Furthermore, as technology and engineering advance, they offer new possibilities and solutions for system design and operation. Finally, collaboration and integration of multiple disciplines and stakeholders necessitate effective communication and coordination for system design and operation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?