Supporting Pre-Phase A Human System Integration for Future Exploration Class Missions

NASA formally recognizes Human System Integration (HIS) in Systems Engineering (NPR 7123.1 - “human element is something that the systems engineering processes must address throughout the lifecycle.” For Human Exploration, the Human-Rating Requirement for Space Systems (NRP-8705.2C) invokes HSI - “Throughout the lifecycle” & explicitly includes Pre-Phase A. Failure to consider HSI in the design process has been a root causes of accidents, and costly design renovations (e.g., Irshad, et al., 2018, https://tinyurl.com/Irshad2018). However, there is no process for Pre-Phase A consideration of incorporating the human element in mission design. Interview Pre-Phase A mission architects customers Interview HSI SMEs from past programs (Phase A and beyond) for lessons learned. Develop framework & subsystem SME structured interviews Interview Subsystem SMEs Analysis & Reformulation Present audit tool to Pre-Phase A mission architects for review.

Develop a systematic audit for rigorous Human System Integration in Pre-Phase A Exploration Class mission design and procurement specifications.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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