Frank Culbertson gave a presentation on astronauts and robotics as partners in space science and exploration. He discussed how robotic and human exploration complement each other, with robotic missions providing critical precursor information to enable human exploration. While robots have advantages like withstanding harsh environments, ultimately humans provide operational flexibility and inspire funding through their presence. Culbertson argued robotic and human partnerships will be important for future exploration missions, with robots conducting precursor mapping and humans allowing flexible teleoperation of surface activities.

1. American Astronautical Society Conference
Astronauts and Robotics: Partners in Space Science
and Exploration
May 13, 2015
Frank Culbertson
President,
Space Systems Group
American Astronautical Society, May 13, 2015, All Rights Reserved

2. 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 Systems
Defense Systems
Innovation… Delivered
The Partner You Can Count On
2American Astronautical Society, May 13, 2015, All Rights Reserved

3. Space Systems Group Overview
Scientific Spacecraft Human Space Systems National Security SatellitesCommercial Satellites
Space Components Space Engineering Services Research Rocket and
Balloon Operations
Advanced Space Systems
 Annual Sales of About $1.2 Billion
 Workforce of Approximately 2,700 People
 Major Operations in Virginia, Maryland,
California, Arizona, Texas and Utah
American Astronautical Society, May 13, 2015, All Rights Reserved 3

4. 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 vs
Teleoperated Robotic Operations?
4American Astronautical Society, May 13, 2015, All Rights Reserved

5. Human/Robotic Partnership
5American Astronautical Society, May 13, 2015, All Rights Reserved

6. 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.
6American Astronautical Society, May 13, 2015, All Rights Reserved

7. 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
7American Astronautical Society, May 13, 2015, All Rights Reserved

8. 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
8American Astronautical Society, May 13, 2015, All Rights Reserved

9. 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
9
NASAAmes Testing
American Astronautical Society, May 13, 2015, All Rights Reserved