American Astronautical Society ConferenceAstronauts and Robotics: Partners in Space Science and Exploration

May 13, 2015

Frank CulbertsonPresident,Space Systems Group

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Introducing the New Orbital ATK

$4.5 Billion (2013 Pro-Forma Revenue) Global Aerospace and Defense Systems Company

Innovative, Affordable Products for Government and Commercial Customers Launch Vehicles, Propulsion Systems and Aerospace Structures Missile Products, Defense Electronics, Armament Systems and Ammunition Satellites, Space Components and Technical Services

12,500 Employees, Including 4,300 Engineers and Scientists

R&D, Production and Test Facilities in 17 States

Aerospace SystemsDefense Systems

Innovation… Delivered 

The Partner You Can Count On

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Space Systems Group Overview

Scientific Spacecraft Human Space Systems National Security Satellites Commercial Satellites

Space Components Space Engineering Services Research Rocket andBalloon Operations

Advanced Space Systems

Annual Sales of About $1.2 Billion Workforce of Approximately 2,700 People Major Operations in Virginia, Maryland,

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The Future of Human/Robotic Exploration

Do We Really Need Humans To Explore Space?

Are Machines A Better Alternative To Reach Into The Solar System And Beyond?

Is A Robotic Space Program More Cost-effective?

Why Risk Human Life?

What Is More Effective – Autonomous vsTeleoperated Robotic Operations?

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Human/Robotic Partnership

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What Have We Learned?

Robotic And Human Exploration Of Space Go Hand In Hand Both Are Synergistic And Mutually Dependent.

Precursor Robotic Exploration Is Necessary To Enable Human Exploration By Providing Early Critical Information

Teleoperated Robotic Exploration Is Lower Risk Than Human Only Exploration And Provides Greater Science Return Than Autonomous Systems

Ultimately, Humans Provide Operational Flexibility, Adaptability And Inspiration Inspiration Also Drives Funding For The Robotic Partnership.

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Challenges to Overcome

Distance And Duration The Flight To Mars Will Be Long And Mostly Automated. A

Human Crew May Experience Psychosocial Problems. Robots Don’t Need Heavy And Large Supply Stocks Of Oxygen,

Water, Food Or Conflict Resolution. On A Long Mission Things Will Break. Humans Can Problem

Solve And Respond Quickly To The Unexpected.

Risks - Working In Harsh Environments Robots Can Exist On The Hostile Planet, Weathering Radiation

And Dust Storms Better Than Humans. Astronauts May Face Long-term Health Problems.

Funding And Schedules

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Robotic/Human Partnership In Future Exploration Activities?

Robotic Precursor Missions The Apollo Program Would Not Have Been Possible

Without Its Robotic Precursors. Lunar Orbiter Mapped The Moon’s Surface. Ranger Obtained Close-up Views Of Landing Zones. Surveyor Explored The Surface, Determine Its

Composition And Practice Soft Landings.

Surface Telerobotic Operations Teleoperation Can Complete Science Objectives In

Days/Months That Require Years For Autonomous Rovers− During The 11 Years Of Operation, The Opportunity

Rover Is Within 20 Km Of The Landing Site− Surface Exploration Of Mars Could Be Controlled

From Phobos/Deimos− Surface Operations On The Moon Could Be

Controlled From Lunar Orbit Or Earth-Moon Lagrange Point

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What Needs to Happen In The Near Term

Refine An Integrated Human / Robotic Exploration Mission Plan

Define Roles And Responsibilities Align Roles With Capabilities And

Goals.

Develop And Test New Technologies And Human/Robotic Joint Operations

Teleoperated Operations Should Be The Next Step For Moon And Mars Surface Exploration

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NASA Ames Testing

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