Validation of Autonomous Space Systems Project

System validation addresses the question "Will the system do the right thing?" When system capability includes autonomy, the question becomes more pointed. As NASA deploys systems deeper into remote environments where the operating conditions are at least partly unknown, the ability to predict details of the operating context – a motivation for pursuing autonomy – becomes more challenging. This workshop will explore system validation concepts for future NASA missions enabled by autonomy. System validation addresses the question "Will the system do the right thing?" When system capability includes autonomy, or more specifically, onboard mission planning and possibly closed-loop control, the question becomes more pointed. As NASA deploys space systems deeper into remote environments where the operating conditions are at least partly unknown (planetary surfaces, vicinity of primitive bodies), the ability to predict the fine details of the operating context becomes more challenging, and by extension, also the ability to predict how the system will behave under those operating conditions. On the other hand, grappling with operational uncertainty is in fact a motivation for pursuing onboard autonomy. The workshop will explore system validation in the context of future NASA mission scenarios that are enabled by autonomy concepts. The workshop will address the following and related questions: • Are extant validation techniques and methodologies adequate or extensible to future mission scenarios and system autonomy concepts? • Is the concept of a system behavior envelope (an enforceable boundary on system behavior, independent of operating context) viable, both from an engineering safety and a mission success viewpoint? • Is it useful and perhaps necessary to view system validation as an activity that continues into operations (Phase E)? The workshop will generate the following products: • An evaluation of whether future autonomous systems validation can be addressed by extensions to existing validation approaches or requires new validation concepts • A set of prioritized research questions relating to autonomous systems validation, and addressable with a small investment • A set of potential technology investments coupled to the research questions

The results of our workshop can help enable the following future NASA missions and mission scenarios: • Proximity operations at primitive bodies • Fast surface mobility • Surface science during traverse • Agile (time- and knowledge-limited) science operations Also, the extension and/or generalization of system validation techniques to future NASA autonomous systems will: • Enable deep exploration into dynamic and poorly known environments • Preserve system safety • Enhance science return Although commercial space and other space-going agencies may not experience all of the same challenges associated with deep space autonomous systems, certain capability benefits will accrue in these arenas also: • Reliable and efficient autonomous response to detected events of interest for earth observing and monitoring satellites • Mission accomplishment for other autonomous platforms performing in uncertain, possibly adversarial environments (e.g., UAVs)

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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