This technology is being used in the project, Autonomous Propellant Loading, which is funded by Advanced Exploration Systems. It is expected to potentially benefit Space Launch System (SLS) as well as activities associated with the Mars mission for In-Situ Resource Utilization and a Mars settlement. Autonomous monitoring and control capabilities may be used to operate any system. It is particularly desirable to operate complex systems and remote systems where it is difficult and costly to rely on operation by people. NASA ground, aeronautic, and space systems can benefit from this technology. The benefits include: (1) increase in safety with ISHM functionality – continuous and comprehensive monitoring, (2) decrease in operating costs through autonomy, and (3) enabling missions where systems are operated remotely – e.g. robotic and planetary missions. Any industry or government agency with these types of systems will benefit from this technology. It could be applied to for example, launch systems, test systems, and spacecraft.
More »