Remote Control Station Design and Testing for Tele-Operated Space-Missions

Space environment is inherently hostile and dangerous for astronauts. S i n c e extra-vehicular activity (EVA) should be limited or assisted as much as possible, the significant role of robotic systems is of notable relevance. Tele-navigation of ground rovers in hostile and unknown environments is one of the applicable problems for modern planetary exploration missions. Pilots involved in these missions should be supported with intelligent and adaptive Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) able to guarantee a high level of situation awareness and a n affordable mental workload. This paper aims to illustrate the approach used to design, test and assess a Remote Control Station (RCS) for ground missions. The RCS is used to remotely operate a 4-wheel drive scaled vehicle, representing a mini-rover for space exploration. The complete system includes the control station and the vehicle, all based on off-the-shelf components. The rover is used as a tool to assess operator’s situation awareness provided through the Graphic User Interface (GUI). This research activity is part of the project STEPS – a research project co-financed by Piedmont Region.