XR/UX for Virtual and Mixed Mock-Ups Utilization in Space Habitat Design Development: Use Cases and Lessons Learnt

Abstract

In the frame of Artemis/Gateway programs, TASI developed in 2019 a 3D tool to support the Habitat Modules Design verification since the early phase of the design process. The aim is to improve the use of virtual mock-ups for encouraging flexible decision–making and knowledge sharing, and to reinforce fruitful interaction between the interdisciplinary teams involved in the projects. Since the virtual environment is currently not considered applicable for the HITL design developmental requirements verification phases, the lesson learnt emerged by the final users feedbacks (astronauts Samantha Cristoforetti, Luca Parmitano and Alex Gerst) during IHAB design reviews sessions in immersive environment (2019-2021) have been considered as guideline to propose a mixed reality environment able to overcome the 3D tool usability criticalities emerged. In this paper are briefly discussed the application of the VR/UX process in the frame of the crew systems design review of IHAB where the HSI requirements (e.g. anthropometrics, range of motion, orientation, clearance…) and tasks operations (e.g. galley area for dining together, four crew of 99th percentiles) have been evaluated. The comparison between the design guidelines emerged in the frame of the HITL developmental tests in a low fidelity physical mock-up performed in Turin in May 2024 and the crew feedbacks collected during the vr session in an immersive environment by using avatars, in 2021 reviewing the same crew systems are showed to be considered as additional support to reinforce the need to promote the development of virtual environments to maximize their use to support future Space Habitat Design developments. The opportunity to reduce cost/time in providing suitable verification tools like a mixed mock-up composed by simplified physical parts combined with virtual reality scenarios is under way in the frame of ERM Esprit module which will be characterize by six windows to permit the crew to observe the moon surface and take photos from the Gateway station. Testbed scenarios e.g. window scratch pane removal tasks procedures are under evaluation to test future tools combining physical infrastructures with digital set extensions supported by the XR innovative technologies under development. The main envisaged objectives go through the need to contribute to innovate processes and tools following the ongoing digital transformation in support of future habitat design development which includes lunar surface habitat (in partial gravity).