Showing papers on "Concept of operations published in 2019"

Assessing operational impacts of automation using functional resonance analysis method

Abstract: Interaction with automated systems and other types of technologies seems inevitable and almost a requirement of human work. The aviation sector, and in particular air traffic control, is devoting considerable efforts towards automation, to respond to the increased demand for capacity. Project AUTOPACE investigated the impacts of foreseeable automation over human performance and behaviour. The purpose was to identify new training requirements for air traffic controllers under foreseeable automation scenarios. In addition to the research carried out under the remit of AUTOPACE, the functional resonance analysis method was used to explore how the interactions between human operators and technology may change, as new automation features would be introduced into ATC operations. The FRAM model was developed based on AUTOPACE concept of operations, two levels of automation (E2 and E1) and was then used to instantiate three different non-nominal situations that were also investigated by the project. This paper presents the FRAM-based analysis carried out and discusses the potential impacts of automation, considering uncertainty and variability as two critical aspects that emerge from complex operation scenarios. The relation with AUTOPACE work is continuously established and the added value of FRAM for the pursuit of further AUTOPACE work is argued.

Modelling distributed crewing in commercial aircraft with STAMP for a rapid decompression hazard.

Abstract: Changes to crewing configurations in commercial airlines are likely as a means of reducing operating costs. To consider the safety implications for a distributed crewing configuration, system theoretic accident model and processes (STAMP) was applied to a rapid decompression hazard. High level control structures for current operations and distributed crewing are presented. The CONOPS generated by STAMP-STPA for distributed crewing, and design constraints associated with unsafe control actions (UCAs) are offered to progress in the route to certification for distributed crewing, and improve safety in current operations. Control loops between stakeholders were created using system-theoretic process analysis (STPA). The factors leading to the Helios 255 incident demonstrated the redundancy that a ground station could offer without the risk of hypoxia, during a decompression incident. STPA analysis also highlighted initial UCAs that could occur within the hypothetical distributed crewing configuration, prompting consideration of design constraints and new CONOPS for ground station design. Practitioner Summary: SPO in commercial aircraft is likely as a means to reduce costs. This paper makes a case for distributed crewing using STAMP-STPA. Comparing current operations with a distributed crewing configuration, the redundancy offered by a ground station is demonstrated. Design constraints and new CONOPs for distributed crewing, and current operations are proposed.

Future Needs for Science-Driven Geospatial and Temporal Extravehicular Activity Planning and Execution.

Abstract: Future human missions to Mars are expected to emphasize scientific exploration. While recent Mars rover missions have addressed a wide range of science objectives, human extravehicular activities (EVAs), including the Apollo missions, have had limited experience with science operations. Current EVAs are carefully choreographed and guided continuously from Earth with negligible delay in communications between crew and flight controllers. Future crews on Mars will be expected to achieve their science objectives while operating and coordinating with a science team back on Earth under communication latency and bandwidth restrictions. The BASALT (Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains) research program conducted Mars analog science on Earth to understand the concept of operations and capabilities needed to support these new kinds of EVAs. A suite of software tools (Minerva) was used for planning and executing all BASALT EVAs, supporting text communication across communication latency, and managing the collection of operational and scientific EVA data. This paper describes the support capabilities provided by Minerva to cope with various geospatial and temporal constraints to support the planning and execution phases of the EVAs performed during the BASALT research program. The results of this work provide insights on software needs for future science-driven planetary EVAs.

A Lane-Based Approach for Large-Scale Strategic Conflict Management for UAS Service Suppliers

Abstract: This paper provides a detailed airspace capacity analysis for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) concept of operations. Prior work has addressed aspects of this problem under specific assumptions about individual behavior of operators (human and autonomous) and the structure of the airspace, however recent discussions held between NASA and industry stakeholders indicate that cooperation will be necessary to minimize the need for tactical collision avoidance. This problem is referred to as Strategic Conflict Management and it imposes constraints on the system that can become computationally intractable. In this paper, an airspace structure inspired by roadway roundabouts, and a computationally tractable trajectory scheduling algorithm for UAS Service Suppliers (USS) are presented to solve this problem.

Space Traffic Management with a NASA UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Inspired Architecture

Abstract: Space is becoming increasingly congested as the number of on-orbit satellites and debris objects continues to grow. Space traffic management (STM) is critical for ensuring that the expanding orbital population operates safely and efficiently, avoiding collisions and radio-frequency interference while still facilitating widespread space operations. Recent events such as the FCC approval of SpaceX’s ~12,000 satellite constellation, the signing of Space Policy Directive 3 (which moves Space Situational Awareness responsibilities away from the Department of Defense and to a civil agency), and the growth in rideshare and small launch vehicles illustrate the rapidly changing nature of this domain. This paper will describe the concept of operations (ConOps) for a civilian STM research initiative, which has been developed from previous NASA work to enable safe operation of small unmanned aircraft systems. The STM ConOps proposes an architecture to enable efficient data sharing and coordination between participants to facilitate safe spaceflight operations. It is designed to utilize and promote the emerging field of commercial STM services, as a complement to existing government-provided STM services. The concept envisions a phased evolution that would gradually integrate additional capabilities, proposing a first phase architecture and tentative plans for a broader system. Work towards developing an STM research and prototyping platform is also discussed.

City-ATM — Demonstration of Traffic Management in Urban Airspace in case of bridge inspection

Abstract: The project City-ATM, launched by the German Aerospace Center in January 2018, aims to integrate new airspace users, such as unmanned aerial vehicles or air taxis, into uncontrolled airspace. For this purpose, an air traffic management and traffic flow control concept is developed, which aims at uncontrolled airspace up to 2500ft above ground (today‘s airspace G) including urban areas. The status quo of numerous initiatives and regulations at European level is taken into account and integrated into the conceptual work. In addition to airspace and traffic flow management concepts, also a CNS concept (Communication, Navigation and Surveillance) is developed to provide a robust communication, navigation and monitoring infrastructure. Furthermore also technical and operational aspects are considered. Doing so, a CONOPS (Concept of Operations) is defined, prototypically implemented as a basic system, serving as a basis for validation and demonstration of the City ATM concept by means of flight tests. In the development process, the work and trials are also analyzed and evaluated with regard to their risk. Based on the developed concepts, a first demonstration platform for an urban ATM was setup. It is based on the use case “bridge inspection” (as support only partial aspects of a bridge inspection were considered) with several drones in a limited area. With the expertise of the individual stakeholders in the various subject areas, services from the area of flight planning (strategic flight planning and geo-fencing), registration and identification (E-Reg / Ident), tracking and tactical conflict detection were brought together in one test system. In addition, the technical feasibility is always respected. Based on several flight tests, the current system is being tested ongoing and demonstrated in an urban area.

SBAS Data Authentication: A Concept of Operations

Abstract: Previous work in data authentication for SBAS has focused on the authentication schemes and the key management architecture. As these designs mature, concepts of receiver operations need to be defined before any impacts to the SBAS service can be evaluated. In this work, several authentication schemes are put forward along with a concept of operations (CONOPS) that defines how receivers act on authenticated and unauthenticated information. The CONOPS developed here allow SBAS services providers to incorporate data security while producing minimal impacts to performance for users.

Fly-by-Logic: A Tool for Unmanned Aircraft System Fleet Planning Using Temporal Logic

Abstract: Safe planning for fleets of Unmaned Aircraft Systems (UAS) performing complex missions in urban environments has typically been a challenging problem. In the United States of America, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been studying the regulation of the airspace when multiple such fleets of autonomous UAS share the same airspace, outlined in the Concept of Operations document (ConOps). While the focus is on the infrastructure and management of the airspace, the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) ConOps also outline a potential airspace reservation based system for operation where operators reserve a volume of the airspace for a given time interval to operate in, but it makes clear that the safety (separation from other aircraft, terrain, and other hazards) is a responsibility of the drone fleet operators. In this work, we present a tool that allows an operator to plan out missions for fleets of multi-rotor UAS, performing complex time-bound missions. The tool builds upon a correct-by-construction planning method by translating missions to Signal Temporal Logic (STL). Along with a simple user interface, it also has fast and scalable mission planning abilities. We demonstrate our tool for one such mission.

Early Validation of the Data Handling Unit of a Spacecraft Using MBSE

Abstract: Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) represents a move away from the traditional approach of Document-Based Systems Engineering (DBSE), and is used to promote consistency, communication, clarity and maintainability within systems engineering projects. MBSE offers approaches that can address issues associated with cost, complexity and safety. Focus groups with Airbus spacecraft functional avionics engineers have highlighted that one way this can be achieved is by performing early functional validation of the high-level spacecraft functional avionics system. This paper defines an approach to the application of MBSE to perform early functional validation of a spacecraft. This approach acts as an extension to a methodology in development by Airbus. It focusses on the definition of the Concept of Operations during Phase B. Information traditionally contained in a Mission Operations Concept Document is presented through a Mission Operations Concept Model. The aim is to improve the clarity, consistency and quality of the information being communicated by providing a model template to contain the relevant system information and enable the high-level simulation of the design. This high-level simulation is enabled by the execution of static systems engineering diagrams. The mission phases are defined and a mission profile, determined by the orbit characteristics, specifies the duration of each phase. The system mode diagram details the response of the system to a change in the mission phase, and activity diagrams describe the functions that must be performed by the system in each mode. Executing this information allows the response of the system to be analysed and validated against high-level mission needs. Traditionally, this level of analysis would not be available at this early stage. The approach replaces ad hoc calculations with a formal representation of the system that can be executed, interrogated and quantified. The structure of the spacecraft system is represented by block definition and internal block diagrams, and the functionality by executable state machine and activity diagrams. Textual requirements are presented and maintained within the model and are formally linked to the physical and functional architectures. These requirements are refined by mathematical constraints that can be satisfied by calculations performed during the simulation. The use case discussed in this paper focusses on the data handling unit onboard an Earth-observation spacecraft. The system response in terms of the onboard memory usage throughout the mission is calculated. The onboard memory consists of three directories – one for housekeeping telemetry and two for science data. The simulation shows that for the chosen orbit, the total onboard memory allocation is adequate and provides a solution for the optimum memory allocation between the three directories. Ultimately, a flexible Mission Operations Concept Model template will be derived for use on future projects, which will enable them to realise the benefits demonstrated in the use case: improved control, communication and early validation of the functional avionics system design.

Cognitive human-machine interfaces and interactions for multi-UAV operations

Abstract: Advances in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) autonomy have brought significant interest in multi-UAV operations, where a single operator commands and coordinates the tasks of multiple UAV. Multi-UAV surveillance applications over large geographic regions require human operators to process large amounts of information in order to make tactical decisions. To support the management of the human operator's workload and situational awareness, the concept of a ground control station utilising Cognitive Human-Machine Interfaces and Interactions (CHMI2) is presented. A CHMI2 module estimates the human operator's workload, fatigue and situational awareness in real-time to drive reconfigurations in the ground control station HMI2, maximising the operator's situational awareness and decision-making for more effective mission management. A number of elements of the CHMI2 are presented in this paper, along with the concept of operations for separate scenarios involving littoral surveillance, as well as bushfire monitoring and fire-fighting.

Modeling and design of a multidisciplinary simulator of the concept of operations for space mission pre-phase A studies:

Abstract: Nowadays, it is practically impossible to develop a complex project without the assistance of a comprehensive set of modeling and simulation tools. In space engineering, they are used throughout th...

Concept of Operations for Urban Air Mobility Command and Control Communications

Abstract: Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is a burgeoning flight services concept for passenger and cargo airborne applications operating within and around urban environments. Among the services envisioned, most attention is being directed at airborne personal transport to improve transit time and mitigate automobile congestion. In addition, delivery services for more efficient transport of goods and local area information gathering for timely media dissemination and emergency monitoring will also likely be early UAM system applications. Among the infrastructure components in need of development are communications systems that manage these air vehicles. Not only will there be a need to communicate with the pilots in command of the aircraft for traffic management, but the control of the aircraft and monitoring of the aircraft systems will also need to use these communications systems to ensure safe operations.

Exploring Human Factors Issues for Urban Air Mobility Operations

Abstract: Urban air mobility (UAM) is currently receiving increased attention in the aviation literature as a new entrant into the airspace. Although the introduction of UAM offers the potential for significant benefits, it also creates the potential for fundamental change to the current air traffic management system. Several concepts are being explored to enable the development of a safe and efficient UAM system for near, mid and far term operations. A concept of operations for near term operations proposes several assumptions. Concepts for roles and responsibilities of human operators such as air traffic controllers propose different degrees of involvement. Identifying and exploring human factors issues is therefore a critical next step in the forward progression of concept development. A human-in-the-loop air traffic control simulation was used to investigate the effect of UAM traffic density and changes in current airspace routes and communication procedures on subjective controller workload and efficiency-related task performance. Findings indicate that although subjective workload was manageable for low density operations, medium and high density operations led to unmanageable levels of workload, leading to refusals to allow more vehicles into controlled airspace. By implementing a letter of agreement, verbal communications were reduced which were associated with reduced workload. Optimized routes were also associated with reduced workload and increased performance efficiency. Although these adjustments can positively support controller performance, workload still remained high during the high density UAM traffic scenarios. It is therefore suggested that, in order for UAM operation to become scalable, human operators will be required to work differently compared to current air traffic controllers. Future research should focus on the level and type of human operator or controller involvement and mated systems, to ensure safety and efficiency within UAM operations.

Development of a Concept of Operations for Autonomous Systems.

Abstract: The paper will present the development of a general concept of operations for autonomous systems and robot solutions. A Concept of Operations (ConOps) of a system is a high-level description of how the elements of the system and its environment communicate and collaborate in order to achieve the stated system goals. The ConOps utilizes the capabilities of autonomous systems, different unmanned vehicles and robots and human operators as a joint cognitive system where the tasks of human operators and robots complement each other. It will include planning the mission, setting up the autonomous system operations and possible robots, monitoring the progress of the operation, reacting and adapting to the intermediate results, reacting to unexpected events and finally completing the mission. The general ConOps can be considered as a template, which can be tailored for the specifics of different use cases.

SORA Application to Large RPAS Flight Plans

Abstract: This paper describes the application of the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)-a concept developed by the Joint Authorities on Rulemaking for Unmanned Systems (JARUS)-to the flight of large Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in Australian airspace. Due to the increasing demand of commercial RPAS operations and the complexity of integrating them into existing, nation-specific airspace infrastructure, the JARUS SORA was created as a country-agnostic guidance tool for establishing the safety of a given operation. An archetypical RPAS operation centered on a maritime surveillance mission is investigated to test the applicability of this process. A Concept of Operations (ConOps), representative flight plans, and relevant stakeholders are described for this use case accordingly. Distinguishing factors of Australian airspace are also highlighted as inputs to the SORA and the impact on the currently proposed procedure and outputs are discussed in turn. The inputs, methods, and results of the SORA application demonstrate the prospective capabilities of this tool as well as potential for future document improvement.

Concept Design Using Model Based Systems Engineering

Abstract: The value of analytical modeling when performing concept design cannot be overstated. Using a concurrent engineering process and interconnected analytical tools to estimate system size, mass, power, performance, resilience, and cost, engineers can rapidly develop concepts to perform feasibility assessments and configuration trade studies. Perhaps less clear is of the value of descriptive modeling offered by Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practice applied to concept design. Currently there are precious few examples of acquisition programs implementing MBSE across all life cycle phases, and fewer examples of programs that use it during concept development. Concept developers use analytical tools to analyze candidate systems during this phase, but they also need to deal with other aspects of system design such as mission objectives, system requirements, concept of operations, system architecture, and function allocation. These attributes may all be captured and interconnected in a descriptive system model, which is at the very core of MBSE practice. It is shown here how system developers can create and use such a descriptive system model in conjunction with their analytical concurrent engineering tools to rapidly develop concept designs.

Designing for Astronaut-Centric Planning and Scheduling Aids:

Abstract: We have investigated and evaluated a novel concept of operations for human spaceflight: allowing astronauts to manage and schedule their own timeline. In order to evaluate this self-scheduling conc...

Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications Display oriented to multiple Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems pilots

Abstract: A Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) interface oriented to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) pilots was implemented as part of a synthetic task environment aimed to test the NtoM concept of operations (ConOps). This ConOps was envisioned to support multi-RPAS piloting in non-segregated airspace. Considering a long-term implementation, it assumes a future widespread use of CPDLC, exploiting its full potential to try to reduce the delay in the communication flow associated with unmanned aircraft and any possible added delay that concurrent piloting could add. Designed to be quick and intuitive, the current prototype of this display, on its own, could be used by pilots - of manned or unmanned aircraft - and controllers to practise and get used to the CPDLC message set, composition rules and procedures. Developed using the Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, it allows the definition of different Quality of Service (QoS) scenarios for data communications, which can be used to train the procedures established for problems arising from faults in communications.

Considerations for Passenger Experience in Space Tourism.

Abstract: Space Tourism is a topic of ever-growing discussion as commercial space providers are closer to opening opportunities for aspiring spaceflight participants. The current efforts on defining requirements for commercial space flight crews and participants, in the United States, are mainly safety-based and take into consideration the minimization of risks both from an operational and regulatory perspective. There is however a need to open discussions on space passenger experience design and create a paradigm that covers this novel role. A design approach is outlined to identify areas of study that already attempt to address human factors aspects in astronautical applications. This paper employs the PEAR model to identify high-level passenger-environment interactions that ought to be considered within the context of tourism. Using Virgin Galactic’s concept of operations as a baseline, the model is used to gather the human factors that appear influential in passenger experience as well as methods to evaluate them.

Dynamic workload management for multi-RPAS pilots

Abstract: This document describes a key aspect of NtoM, a concept of operations (ConOps) currently under development, which focuses on the awareness, productivity and safety of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) pilots controlling several flights at once in non-segregated airspace. An explanation will be given of how the ConOps suggests capturing, representing, managing and predicting the workload of the pilots. To illustrate some of the features of the concept, it was necessary to define a representation of the workload associated to the tasks. A synthetic task environment that used the NtoM prototype was built and used to evaluate the requirements of time and attention of pseudo-pilots based on their performance while executing the tasks and task overlaps, determine the top threshold of workload allowed for a pilot and detect incompatibilities among tasks. These values served as a reference to design demanding test scenarios, which helped to reveal weaknesses and inspire improvements that were addressed in the following stage of development.

A Proposed Approach to a 2019 UTM Concept of Operations

Abstract: We present an approach to an Unmanned Aircraft Traffic Management (UTM) Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the New York Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site (NYUASTS). With a mandate for UTM development in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act (Public Law 115-254, enacted October 5, 2018) [1], UTM is on a path to operationalization. New York State committed in 2016 to create a UTM corridor in airspace above upstate New York. New York has charged the NUAIR Alliance, as part of NYUASTS, with building a UTM test corridor between Syracuse and Rome, New York. NUAIR is developing the CONOPS and program plan for the corridor. The New York UTM CONOPS will support operational and technical requirements, together with safety cases, to enable regional commercial UTM operations, building on UTM as a means for cooperative traffic management for UAS and other participating aircraft. For UAS to have access to airspace, cooperative air traffic management. The New York CONOPS will cover key conceptual and operational elements to begin UTM corridor operations testing in 2019, assuming UTM capabilities and services adhere to the UTM construct, principles, and conceptual elements described in the May 2018 FAA UTM CONOPS and the FAA-NASA UTM research transition plan. However, these artifacts apply mostly to UTM operations in uncontrolled airspace below 400 feet above ground level (AGL) and do not envision UTM evolution into eventual highly-automated urban air mobility (UAM) applications. The 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act made changes to the legal framework for UAS, including provisions for expanded UAS and UTM testing at FAA-designated UAS Test Sites. The legislation included congressional mandates affecting UAS regulation, and also introduce a new chapter in the United States Code for unmanned aircraft systems (Title 49 USC Chapter 448). This paper discusses CONOPS in an overall context of FAA UAS policy and regulation, prior experience with CONOPS, and maturation of operational capability.

In-Time System-Wide Safety Assurance (ISSA) Concept of Operations

Abstract: Emerging operations involving Urban Air Mobility (UAM) poses a challenge to safety assurance and accessibility to the NAS. In particular, the public has a low tolerance for risk in aviation and the current NAS tends to be labor-intensive with limited ability to scale up for UAM. In response to this landscape, NASA is collaborating with industry to define an In-time Aviation Safety Management System (IASMS) Concept of Operations (ConOps) for a scalable UAM along with a service-oriented architecture. This architecture would better focus safety investments for technological solutions that overcome safety related barriers for emerging operations. By working with industry, consensus can be reached on desirable system traits that are based on integration of data and leverage increasingly autonomous and automated systems. These complex systems can identify anomalies, precursors, and trends that together enable more proactive management of operational risks.

An Initial Analysis of Automating Conjunction Assessment and Collision Avoidance Planning in Space Traffic Management

Abstract: We introduce a framework that automates the process of assessing potential satellite conjunctions in space, and generating collision avoidance maneuvers to support mitigation efforts within a novel space traffic management (STM) architecture. A software implementation of the framework was developed in a MATLAB-STK integrated environment, however, the concept and framework is agnostic to the language or environment. The software pulls from existing catalogs of spaceborne objects and ingests user-defined parameters to produce conjunction data, which could potentially aid collision avoidance planning in the STM architecture. The utility of the software in maneuver planning and exploring a performance-based tradespace of actions is demonstrated using three example cases: one-to-one conjunction, one-versus-four conjunctions, and a near head-on collision. The framework also provides a test-bed for the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) to demonstrate machine-to-machine communication between entities in our proposed STM architecture. Results from this software implementation are expected to aid distributed decision-making among various stakeholders, and inform efficient, autonomous, structured but flexible concept of operations within STM.

Applications of Operations Research in the food delivery industry

Abstract: The food delivery industry in India is growing rapidly with the increasing availability of technology. In this research paper, we aimed at finding out the application of operational research in the food delivery industry. It has always been a known fact that humans are known to make mistakes if work is done without the help of any scientific tool. With detailed research in this industry, it came to our knowledge that the processes in various organizations have logistical flaws. This made us want to connect the concept of operations research to the food delivery industry, so as to maximize the results with minimum resources or costs. We have provided an analysis of how operations research can be used in this industry. Our research has been supported by real-life implications and it was proven to us that operations research techniques can help food delivery platforms in making decisions about how they should go about with their day to day operations as efficiently as possible at the minimum cost.

Analysis of the Functionalities of a Shared ICS Security Operations Center

Abstract: The basic step in the design of a security operations center (SOC) is identifying the necessary functions it needs to perform. The article offers an analysis of the ICS SOC functionalities and is focused to create a part of the concept of operations before the real design of Shared ICS SOC. We offer a complex of functionalities of Shared ICS SOC and analyze their effectiveness. The survey is based on a review of the legal framework, the ICS security incidents, research on the gaps between cybersecurity products and real needs for the ICS and SCADA community. Shared SOC performs role of community service hub with integrated experience, supplying security services for multiple ICS. By outsourcing these services, a company can reduce security staff and focus on its core business.

Security Requirements Analysis – A Vision for an Automated Toolchain

Abstract: As the organizations move towards more fully embracing agile software development and DevOps for mission-critical systems, the need to continuously and rapidly assess cyber security requirements will become increasingly important. Current security assessment tools currently focus on performing Cyber Vulnerability Analysis (CVA) on designs and software artifacts rather than requirements, missing critical steps to vet requirements and support design decisions early in the development lifecycle or as requirements change. This paper outlines the main concepts underlying a toolchain that would enable software developers to analyze cyber security requirements based on existing natural language requirement descriptions, without burdening the developer with learning new languages, models, or ontologies. The main contribution of this paper is a discussion of the concept of operations for automated security requirement analysis together with a discussion of the main functional components required to implement an automated analysis toolchain.

Automated Spacecraft Operations During Soil Moisture Active Passive Prime Mission

Abstract: Autonomy and automation of spacecraft operations have been long sought goals to reduce costs and risks. Many different approaches depending on the particular mission's needs and characteristics have been tried and taken. Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) is a science spacecraft mission measuring soil moisture, freeze/thaw and other parameters on a global scale, to support weather forecasting, disaster response and climate research. The spacecraft is fairly conventional and is in a sun synchronous near-polar low Earth orbit. The sole instrument is an L-band passive radiometer; the active radar component is currently inoperative. Automation is a characteristic feature of SMAP flight operations. The project practices “lights-out” operations, where the control room is not staffed, except for occasional real time or contingency activities. Operators nominally work only during regular business hours. Activities are planned and set up on a weekly cadence, and automated processes conduct data processing and commanding. Continuous downlink monitoring is enabled by a sophisticated notification architecture, along with weekly telemetry review by experts. A suite of tools and processes are used to implement the automation. Other tools and resources, while not strictly speaking automation, improve efficiency and reliability, which fundamentally achieve the same benefits as automation. As might be anticipated, there are challenges with a complex ground system that link together many disparate elements. On balance, spacecraft operational costs are estimated to be much lower than if the mission was flown in a conventional manner. In summary, the overwhelming majority of commanding during science phase are performed autonomously, without direct human intervention. A very low command error rate was achieved. It is proposed this concept of operations may serve as a useful model for future missions with similar characteristics.

UAS Concept of Operations and Vehicle Technologies Demonstration

Abstract: In 2017 and 2018, under National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) sponsorship, the New York Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Site and Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research (NUAIR) Alliance conducted a year-long research project that culminated in a UAS technology flight demonstration. The research project included the creation of a concept of operations, and development and demonstration of UAS technologies. The concept of operations was focused on an unmanned aircraft transiting from cruise through Class E airspace into a high-density urban terminal environment. The terminal environment in which the test was conducted was Griffiss International Airport, under Syracuse Air Traffic Control (ATC) approach control and Griffiss control tower. Employing an Aurora Centaur optionally piloted aircraft (OPA), this project explored six scenarios aimed at advancing UAS integration into the National Airspace System (NAS) under both nominal and off-nominal conditions. Off-nominal conditions were defined to include complete loss of the communications link between the remote pilot’s control station on the ground and the aircraft. The off-nominal scenarios that were investigated included lost-link conditions with and without link recovery, an automated ATC initiated go-around, autonomous rerouting around a dynamic airspace obstruction (in this case simulated weather), and autonomous taxi operations to clear the runway.

NtoM: a concept of operations for pilots of multiple remotely piloted aircraft

Abstract: The concept of operations proposed here pursues the feasibility, from a human factors perspective, of having a single pilot/aircrew controlling several remotely piloted aircraft systems at once in non-segregated airspace. To meet such feasibility, this multitasking must be safe and not interfere with the job of the air traffic controllers due to delays or errors associated with parallel piloting. To that end, a set of measures at several levels is suggested, which includes workload prediction and balance, pilot activity monitoring, and a special emphasis on interface usability and the pilot’s situational awareness. The concept relies greatly on the exploitation of the potential of Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications, anticipating future widespread implementation and full use. Experiments comparing the performance of the same pseudo-pilots before and after the implementation of part of the measures showed a decrease in the number of errors, oversights and subjective stress.

STRATOFLY Project: analysis of the Concept of Operations of a hypersonic civil passenger transport aircraft

Abstract: In 2050 the number of passengers travelling globally aboard civil aircrafts is predicted to be six-fold higher than today. New and promising technologies in the fields of high-speed propulsion and high-temperature resistant materials make it possible to think about the exploitation of the stratosphere for long distance routes to be covered in shorter time frames with respect to conventional civil passenger aircrafts. The STRATOFLY project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme for the development of a hypersonic civil passenger transport aircraft concept, addressed as STRATOFLY MR3, that shall be able to perform cruise at 30 km altitude and Mach 8 flight speed with the aim to drastically reduce transfer time, noise and emissions for long haul point-to-point missions. The project gains relevant knowledge from previous EU co-funded projects in the field of hypersonic transport. The conceptual design of such kind of system and the related mission, however, is a complex challenge and the cooperation of many participants from different institutions is crucial to achieve project’s goals. This Thesis gives a contribution to the STRATOFLY project in terms of Concept of Operations (ConOps) analysis and trajectory simulation via ASTOS software. The ConOps analysis has led to the development of the conceptual Design Reference Mission (DRM) in terms of mission phases definition and assessment. The mission has been also studied from an operational point of view through the definition of the subsystems level modes of operations and the development of operational procedures supported by useful logical decomposition tools. Furthermore, possible out-of-nominal scenarios have been identified in relation to possible critical events that can affect the propulsive subsystem during the mission. Both the DRM and some relevant out-of-nominal scenarios have been finally simulated and assessed via ASTOS software leading to important results about mission phases duration, fuel consumption and feasibility of certain operational procedures. Thanks to interesting projects and outstanding technologies under investigation all around the world, the future of civil aviation is revealing to be promising and fascinating. Together with the work of other researchers, engineers and dreamers from and outside Europe, this Thesis is intended to play its very small part to make it happen.