An important aspect of mission planning for NASA’s operation of the International Space Station is the allocation and management of space for supplies and equipment. The Stowage, Configuration Analysis, and Operations Planning teams collaborate to perform the bulk of that planning. A Geometric Reasoning Engine is developed in a way that can be shared by the teams to optimize item placement in the context of crew planning.
The ISS crew spends (at the time of this writing) a third or more of their time moving supplies and equipment around. Better logistical support and optimized packing could make a significant impact on operational efficiency of the ISS. Currently, computational geometry and motion planning do not focus specifically on the optimized orientation and placement of 3D objects based on multiple distance and containment preferences and constraints.
The software performs reasoning about the manipulation of 3D solid models in order to maximize an objective function based on distance. It optimizes for 3D orientation and placement. Spatial placement optimization is a general problem and can be applied to object packing or asset relocation.
This work was done by Bradley J. Clement and Russell L. Knight of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Daniel Broderick of the California Institute of Technology at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Geometric Reasoning for Automated Planning
(reference NPO-47436) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document titled "Technical Support Package for Geometric Reasoning For Automated Planning" is a NASA Tech Brief that discusses advancements in spatial planning for crew operations aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Authored by a team from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA Ames Research Center, it aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of crew activities in the constrained environment of the ISS.
The document outlines the critical importance of spatial constraints in the ISS, emphasizing that translation paths for crew and cargo must remain clear to ensure safety and operational efficiency. It categorizes translation paths into three types: emergency crew translation, which must never be obstructed; nominal crew translation, which allows for temporary obstructions; and cargo translation, which is specifically related to lab modules. This classification helps in planning the layout and movement of personnel and equipment within the station.
Additionally, the document highlights the necessity for visibility and access to essential equipment and controls, such as fire extinguishers, gas masks, oxygen ports, and critical warning labels. Ensuring that these items are readily accessible is vital for maintaining safety and operational readiness in emergencies.
The current processes for managing crew operations and equipment relocation are discussed, including the use of relocation requests and suggestions, as well as the identification of constraint violations. The document proposes an architecture for improving these processes, aiming to streamline operations and enhance the overall effectiveness of crew activities.
The technical support package serves as a resource for understanding the geometric reasoning involved in automated planning for the ISS. It is part of NASA's broader initiative to leverage aerospace-related developments for wider technological and commercial applications. The document encourages collaboration and innovation in the field, inviting further inquiries and partnerships through the Innovative Technology Assets Management at JPL.
In summary, this document provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and proposed solutions related to spatial planning for crew operations on the ISS, emphasizing the importance of clear pathways, accessibility to critical equipment, and the need for improved processes in managing crew and cargo movements.
