A Flexible Telecommunication Architecture for Human Planetary Exploration Based on the BASALT Science-Driven Mars...

Area of Science:

• Space exploration technology
• Telecommunications engineering
• Human factors in spaceflight

Background:

• Future human space exploration requires advanced deep space telecommunication capabilities.
• Analog field testing provides a crucial bridge to developing and validating these systems.
• The BASALT project specifically addresses the need for high-fidelity analogs for Mars missions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the telecommunication architecture developed by the BASALT project.
• To discuss the rationale behind chosen protocols and radio frequency (RF) link types.
• To evaluate the performance of prototype Extravehicular Informatics Backpacks (EVIB) for astronaut support.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a novel telecommunication architecture for analog field testing.
• Selection and integration of specific communication protocols and RF link types.
• Field deployment and testing of the BASALT system with human subjects, including EVIB prototypes.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of a high-fidelity telecommunication analog for Mars exploration.
• Demonstrated performance of the BASALT architecture and its constituent elements during field tests.
• Evaluation of prototype Extravehicular Activity (EVA) information systems (EVIB) for enhanced astronaut operations.

Conclusions:

• Analog field testing is synergistic with deep space telecommunication development for human exploration.
• The BASALT architecture and EVIB prototypes offer valuable insights for future extraterrestrial missions.
• Analysis of data products and volumes generated during field deployments informs future mission planning.