Remote On-demand Networked Distributed Operations (RONDO)

Mission operations for the International Space Station are based on the traditional concept of a primary fixed facility where most of the mission operations tasks are performed, supported by backroom staff of hundreds of engineers. This approach is resource intensive and expensive. The goal of this SBIR is to develop and deploy the technologies necessary to enable on-demand mission operations support. Our approach involves two key components: 1) creating advanced automation that will autonomously monitor the ground system for critical events and wirelessly alert on-call personnel when necessary and 2) developing and integrating the software and hardware to provide wireless access to necessary data, tools, and people (i.e., through videoconferencing) to immediately start resolving the event. Since automation must not significantly increase the risk of operations in Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS), our approach will minimize risk and ensure reliability by: 1) building our new technologies on top of state-of-the-art proven technologies and 2) leveraging our extensive knowledge of mission operations, advanced automation, and wireless communications. Thus, our innovative approach to operations will help NASA meet the objectives in the NASA Strategic Plan 2000 of reducing the costs of HEDS through operations automation and consolidation.