What are the top risks?

NASA’s Mission Control Center trains astronauts to operate various systems on the International Space Station, including ultrasound and computer-based equipment. However, crews still rely on real-time assistance when problems arise. During longer and more distant missions from Earth, crew members will need more extensive training to know how to identify and fix any issues with systems, software, and equipment without real-time support from mission control.

What can be done about it?

NASA technologists strive to design user-friendly spaceflight systems so that astronauts can perform tasks independently, as needed. Crew members also receive training before a mission to familiarize themselves with various systems and respond to emergencies themselves. NASA researchers continue to work with industry partners and other experts to make spaceflight systems and vehicles easier to operate.

Did you know?

NASA astronauts train, on average, 300 hours in simulators before launch to help familiarize themselves with space vehicles and systems.

Formal risk description: Risk of adverse mission outcomes due to Earth independent human-systems operation

Research in support of this risk: Latest evidence