ABSTRACT
There have been many advancements and accomplishments over the last few years using human modeling for human factors engineering analysis for design of spacecraft. The key methods used for this are motion capture and computer- generated human models. The focus of this paper is to explain the human modeling currently used at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), and to explain the future plans for human modeling for future spacecraft designs and ground processing tasks.
United Space Alliance’s Human Engineering Modeling and Performance program, or HEMAP, uses state-of-the-art motion capture tools to examine the interfaces between people, equipment, and the work environment. In addition to real-time motions and interactions, HEMAP’s ability to stream multiple-person tasks and objects simultaneously provides revolutionary real-time feedback of the ergonomic effects on the participants to allow for real-time changes or optimization of the process or task at hand. Use of head-mounted displays, physical mockups, data-tracking gloves, and/or bi-directional collaboration of interactive motion data offer variations to resource and time requirements in meeting customer and engineering needs.
The real-time ergonomic evaluations with ability to infinitely replay and alter the viewing angles of simulations adds increased fidelity to assure the workspace, 556including human interactions, are validated or adjusted to optimize human-system interfaces to prevent risks to personnel, equipment, designs, and schedules in the long term. This innovative, forward-reaching technology can be a powerful, cost- saving, time-saving tool to customers who want to optimize design prior to build, and to develop processes and procedures with optimal efficiency and safety in mind.
