From: utzoo!decvax!cca!A.exp@Berkeley@sri-unix
Newsgroups: net.space
Title: 
Article-I.D.: sri-unix.3331
Posted: Fri Sep 17 19:23:47 1982
Received: Wed Sep 22 05:47:50 1982

Subject: Simulation of space operations with computers

The entire process of assembly of factories on the moon and in space,
their operation, and interactions with humans that control them can be
simulated once a model of the factory component behavior and of the moon
surface or space environment are operating on a computer.  In the simulation,
human observers could use a computer generated graphic to observe the
objects operated on or constructed, and interact with them to simulate
teleoperation, or allow artificial intelligence to do the operation while
the simulated world is constructed.

In addition, this simulation would be useful for training the human
teleoperators of future real systems, to the extent that artificial
intelligence is inadequate.  Bolt, Beranek, and Newman, Inc,. has
developed a computer simulation of the steam plant of a Navy ship which
will be used in training, but could also show the state of an actual
system, in order to allow humans to control it from a computer terminal
instead of from manual work inside the engine room.  The simulation
shows qualitatively the interactions between components.

This type of simulation could be extended to show the actual appearance,
both internal and external, of any facility to be operated.  The conclusion
is that the factory in space, or space colonies, could be simulated fully,
except for the human behavior, on computer models.  Finally, this sort
of system would allow greater ease in achieving total automation in the
actual construction of the final system in space.  It is also possible
to include, however, human behavior in the simulation.  It is unnecessary
to build anything in space before the facility has been fully completed
in simulation.

For more information:

"Advanced Computer Aided Design and Modelling of Entire Colonies,"
The L-5 News, June 1982

"Development of an Advanced Computer Aided Instruction System for Propulsion
Engineering," Bolt, Beranek and Newman, Inc., February 18, 1981, Proposal
No. P80-ISD-90

"Using Qualitative Simulation to Generate Explanations," Kenneth Forbus and
Albert Stevens, Bolt, Beranek, and Newman, Inc., March 1981, Report No. 4490