priority. An evolutionary NASA space program scenario was developed by the study group, based on various relevant planning documents and other information. The major scenario premise was that coordinated developmental initiatives would be undertaken by NASA in tile next 20 years to establish the basis for an aggressive, multidisciplinary program of space exploration and utilization early in the next century. Although tile specifics of such a program can vary significantly, several generic characteristics were thought probable for any intensive space exploration and utilization effort. These could be used as meaningful guides for the mission problems selected by the study group to identify future automation technology requirements, and include: • A major Earth resources observation program • Intensive exploration of the Solar System and beyond • Major low Earth orbit activities requiring the continuous presence of man as troubleshooter, supervisor, and operations coordinator • A significant capability for acquiring and utilizing nonterrestrial materials for products to be used in space, such as large structures, power systems, antennas, expendables, etc. • An advanced mobile communications system. (The importance of this program element was recognized by the study group but was not specifically addressed by any of the selected mission teams since the automation requirements were not considered unique.) Advanced machine intelligence and automation technology as described in this report is believed to be essential in evolving toward a major space program capability for exploration and utilization within realistic resource limits. To this end, the following general conclusions and technology recommendations are worthy of special consideration: (1) Machine intelligence systems with automatic hypothesis formation capability are necessary for autonomous examination of unknown environments. This capacity is highly desirable fl)r efficient exploration of the Solar System and is essential for the ultimate investigation of other star systems. (2) The development of efficient models of Earth phenomena and their incorporation into a world model based information system are required for a practical, useroriented, Earth resource observation network. (3) A permanent manned facility in low Earth orbit is an important element of a future space program. Planning for such a facility should provide for a significant automated space manufacturing capability. (4) New, autonrated space materials processing techniques must be developed to provide long-term space manufacturing capability without major dependence on Earth resupply. (5) Replication of complex space manufacturing facilities is a long-range need for ultimate large-scale space utilization. A program to develop and demonstrate major elements of this capability should be undertaken. (6) General and special purpose teleoperator/robotic systems are required for a number of space manufacturing, assembly, inspection, and repair tasks. (7) An aggressive NASA development commitment in computer science is fundamental to the acquisition of machine intelligence/automation expertise and technology required for the mission capabilities described earlier in this report. This should include a program for increasing the number of people trained in the relevant fields of computer science and artificial intelligence.
7.4 References Miller, James G.: Living Systems. McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1978. 1102 pp.
Odum, Howard T.: Environment, Power, and Society. Wiley-lnterscience, New York, 1971.
Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST): NASA Space Systems Technology Model, Volumes 1-3, NASW-2937, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C., May 1980.
Vajk, J. Peter: Doomsday Has Been Cancelled. Peace Press, Culver City, California, 1978.
