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