this area,embracing roboticstechnology. System engineering. There are many component technologies which must come together to build a system. CS&T can aid in the process of engineering systems solutions, rather than component solutions, to systems problems. Formally managing the definition of requirements for a system is one example. Other contributions of CS&T include formalized design methodologies, techniques for performance monitoring and evaluation, and quasi-rigorous approaches to system architecture and control. Requirements in each of these areas pervade NASA programming.
6. 6. 2 Relevant CS& T Disciplines For purposes of the present discussion the scope of CS&T is considered to be that classified by the Association for Computing Machinery (Computing Reviews, 1976) in their recently published "Categories of the Computing Sciences." This basic taxonomy was reviewed by the CS&T study team. Those components which appeared to relate most strongly to NASA's anticipated future requirements were scrutinized in more detail. The results of this analysis are summarized briefly below, with the ACM classification number included parenthetically for completeness. Applications (3.). "Applications" focuses on the uses of computers and the relationships between human cognitive and perceptual processes and computers. NASA-relevant subcategories include: (3.1) Natural sciences (astronomy, space, earth sciences) (3.2) Engineering (aeronautical, electronic, mechanical) (3.4) Humanities (language translation, linguistics) (3.5) Management (policy analysis, manufacturing, distribution) (3.6) Artificial intelligence (induction, pattern recognition, problem-solving) (3.7) Information retrieval (content analysis, file maintenance, searching) (3.8) Real-time systems (process control, telemetry, spacecraft simulation) Software (4.). This category includes "the procedures, instructions, techniques, and the data required to apply a computer to a given task." Relevant subcategories include: (4.2) Programming languages (procedure, problemoriented) (4.3) Supervisory systems (multiprogramming, database systems) (4.4) Utility programs (debugging, program maintenance) (4.6) Software evaluation, test, and measurements (software modeling, algorithm performance monitoring) Mathematics of computation (5.). The category of mathematics of computation consists of "the intersection of mathematics and computer science, the category embraces subcategories that cover the mathematical treatment of numbers, mathematical metatheory, symbolic algebraic computation, the study of computational structures (algorithms, data structures) as mathematical objects, and mathematical methods that lend themselves to computeraided solutions." This entire category was considered relevant to NASA. The subcategories are: (5.1) Numerical analysis (error analysis, numerical integration) (5.2) Metatheory (logic, automata, formal languages, analysis of programs) (5.3) Combinatorial and discrete mathematics (sorting, graph theory) (5.4) Mathematical programming (linear and nonlinear programming, dynamic programming) (5.5) Mathematical statistics and probability (regression and correlation analysis, stochastic systems) (5.6) Information theory (decision feedback, entropy) (5.7) Symbolic algebraic computation (symbolic differentiators, symbolic interpretors) Hardware (6.). The hardware category includes all of the physical components of digital computers. The relevant subcategories include: (6.1) Logical design, switching theory (functional design, switching networks, Boolean algebras) (6.2) Computer systems (packet switching networks, time-shared hardware, parallel processors) (6.3) Components and circuits (LSI/VLSI, control and storage units) Functions {8.}. This category deals with major computer functions and techniques. NASA-relevant subcategories include: (8.1) Simulation and modeling (applications, techniques, theory) (8.2) Graphics (display processors, image processing, plotting) (8.3) Operations research/decision tables (PERT, scheduling, search theory)
6.6.3 Correlation of NASA CS&T and Technology Requirements Thus far, NASA's anticipated CS&T requirements have been presented, together with an outline of relevant CS&T disciplines. In this section, they are correlated througl_ a matrix. Each element of the matrix in table 6.7 can assume one of five values, assigned on a subjective basis by CS&T assessment team members after consultation and thorough consi
