THE PROBLEM

Abstract

The goals of a project underway at Kennedy Space Center include the development of a system capable of creating and simulating the execution of launchsite payload processing plans in which experiments are manifested, prepared for launch and integrated into a Shuttle for transporting to the Space Station for operation. The Space Shuttle then lands with a return cargo which is de- integrated for ground processing after landing. During the execution of this procedure it is necessary to track the utilization and location of all resources and hardware items used to implement the processing such as the pressurized laboratory experiment equipment racks. The knowledge base must be easily maintained and extended by the user and the system should provide a simple user interface in which objects and their associated knowledge base provide the basis for definition, operation and user interaction. This paper discusses the design alternatives and the prototype implementation of the Payload Hardware and Inventory Tracking System (PHITS) and demonstrates how intelligent agents can be used to generate mission schedules. Furthermore, it will be shown how through the use of these intelligent agents knowledge becomes separated into small manageable knowledge bases.