Distributed Supervisory Coordination and Function Allocation Between Multi-Teams in Crewed Space Exploration with Time Delays

Abstract

Function allocation and distributed task coordination are complex challenges facing many multi-team systems. These challenges are intensified in the case of human expeditions to and exploration of Mars, due to the impact of one-way light-time communication delays that can exceed 20 minutes. Research to identify, enhance, and support new requirements for task coordination and communication include considerations to mitigate the impact of delays through improved state monitoring and crew coordination and knowledge sharing techniques. Effective coordination for human cislunar and Mars exploration operations, including servicing, assembly, and maintenance activities, require effective and adaptive function and task allocation constrained by available bandwidth and crew member workload capability. The authors describe some of their previous research and ongoing activities, including improvements to time-delayed information and data displays to support mission control and spaceflight crew member situational awareness when conducting both routine operations and real-time responses to emerging anomalies.