Human-Centered Computing for NASA Aeronautics and Space Programs

Abstract

NASA is embarking on many aerospace programs that promise to provide greatly enhanced system capability and performance, along with reduced development and operational costs. A principal approach to accomplishing these objectives, human-centered computing, will involve powerful information technologies including human performance modeling capabilities. The new NASA human-centered computing initiative takes a systems perspective, and seeks to leverage and support human intelligence and flexibility with the power and capabilities of increasingly sophisticated machine systems. This perspective promises a changing human-automation systems balance of work and new task allocation strategies. This presentation provides a discussion of the role of human-centered computing in several key advanced NASA aeronautics and space programs, such as the Advanced Air Traffic Technology (AATT) Program, the Intelligent Synthesis Environment, the X-33 Technology Demonstrator Program, and the Mars Pathfinder mission. The new Intelligent Systems (IS) Research Program that supports this approach will also be described.