Collaborative 3D Training: From Astronauts to Automotive Techs 2004-01-2593

As spaceflight hardware becomes increasingly complex, ever greater demands are placed on astronauts’ training capacity. In addition, astronauts are being asked to conduct unplanned operations with minimal or no training, and long duration operations preclude the ability to thoroughly train before flight on many operations. This trend will be more pronounced as we approach remote operations on the moon and Mars in the Exploration era. In response, Orbital Technologies Corporation has developed an interactive and collaborative 3D simulation training solution for payloads and International Space Station systems. This portable web-based training system provides flexible, efficient and effective pre-flight, real-time and operational training support. Unlike virtual reality systems, this next generation simulation can also be used for remote or just-in-time procedural training between ground-based experts and astronauts in space due to its low file size and collaboration capability. Although this technique will not totally replace all hands-on training hardware, millions of dollars can be saved in time, travel, and support equipment while advancing the level of training effectiveness.

Training capabilities to support remote, complex equipment are also found in many highly competitive commercial markets. Companies that produce equipment with sophisticated technical maintenance procedures often cannot afford the cost of hands-on training with expensive production equipment. Remote field service networks also require companies to provide effective portable training and information. The military, heavy equipment manufacturers, automotive OEMs, aeronautical companies and consumer service centers are optimal targets for adapting specialized immersive simulator training or in-field maintenance aids to a PC-based or portable 3D interactive solution. This technology also offers these markets the ability to include parts identification and links to knowledge databases or ordering systems that expand a training tool into a complete service solution.