John Bluck
April 24, 2006
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
Phone: (650) 604-5026 / 9000
E-mail: jbluck@mail.arc.nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: 06-25AR

NASA TO TEST PROTOTYPE SOFTWARE FOR FUTURE SPACE TRIPS

WHAT: Reporters are invited to observe tests of prototype software
that astronauts could use in future spaceflight and in moon habitats.
NASA will test this software in a Utah desert April 23 to May 7,
2006. During the field exercise, the researchers' objective is to
evaluate software 'agents' that could help astronauts by monitoring
an electrical power system and sounding alarms that indicate
problems. The agents also will provide procedural advice when
problems occur. The software could keep track of astronaut locations,
timelines and important tasks. Researchers will trigger some
simulated problems to learn how the computer systems help or hinder
the crew's response.

WHEN: Reporters are invited from May 1 to May 4, 2006.

WHERE: Mars Desert Research Station (habitat) and environs, near
Hanksville, Utah.

WHO: Nine scientists and engineers from NASA Ames Research Center,
Moffett Field, Calif., are taking part in the experiments with
'Brahms' software and hardware systems. Chief scientist for
human-centered computing Bill Clancey of NASA Ames is the principal
investigator for the project. This work is supported by the
Exploration Technology Development Program's (ETDP) Spacecraft
Autonomy Project.

WHY: Earth-based experiments can be used for learning how to improve
planetary exploration software. Team members will use prototype
tools, including a wireless computer network, and voice-commanded
mission control communication services that partly automate the role
of capsule communicator (CAPCOM) personnel, who monitor and advise
astronauts like they did during the Apollo missions to the moon in
the late 1960s and early 1970s.

HOW: A team of nine people will set up equipment in and around the
Mars Desert Research Station, which will serve as a simulated habitat
on the moon. Team members will conduct a series of simulated lunar
surface exploration missions. At other times, the station will
represent a spaceship in flight.

Scientists are making audio and video recordings of the activities
using the Crew-Activity Analyzer system developed under a Small
Business Innovation Research Program grant to Foster-Miller, Inc.,
Waltham, Mass. It will synchronize audio and video recordings with
records of the crewmembers' locations in the habitat.

From analysis of the recordings and other data, investigators can
evaluate the prototype power system monitoring software and develop
requirements for computer systems to interact with people.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: The field test area is about a 20-minute drive
from Hanksville and about four hours from Salt Lake City at the Mars
Society's Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). From Salt Lake City,
take I-80 east for a short distance to I-15 south. Pass Provo, and
then take Highway 6 east. Follow Highway 6 to Green River. Then take
Highway 70 west a short distance to Highway 24 to Hanksville. To
travel to MDRS from the junction of highways 24 and 95 in Hanksville,
take 24 west for 3.8 miles, following the river. At the top of the
wash there is a dirt road on the right. Look for a wooden post with a
stop sign. If you are going downhill and have gone four miles, you've
missed the dirt road. You will know you have the correct dirt road if
it immediately turns toward the right, doubles back toward the way
you have come, goes over a rise and cattle guard and heads steeply
down into a plain. Follow the road about 2.5 miles. Slow down for all
washes. After about 2.5 miles, a Mars 'habitat' is located over your
left shoulder behind a low set of hills (not visible from the
direction you are driving). You may see tracks going off the dirt
road. If you miss the habitat, turn around after 3 miles, and it will
be obvious (now on your right) as you approach it.

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