Human Factors Considerations in Satellite Operation's Human-Computer Interaction Technologies: A Review of Current Applications and Theory

TL;DR

This paper reviews current human factors research in satellite operations, highlighting gaps in understanding boredom, complacency, and automation bias, and emphasizes the need for targeted studies to improve safety and efficiency.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of human factors in satellite operations and identifies specific areas where further research is needed to mitigate human error.

Findings

Increased research is needed on boredom and complacency effects.

Circadian rhythms and shift work impact vigilance and errors.

Lessons from related sectors can inform satellite human factors.

Abstract

Satellite operations are a subset of remote operations that draw similarities with remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. Increased research into boredom, complacency, habituation, and vigilance as they relate to satellite operations is required due to a lack of prevalence in the literature. Circadian rhythms, crew resource management, and shift work dynamics may exacerbate complacency-driven automation bias and social loafing errors in satellite operations. This overview of theory and applications aims to specifically focus on satellite operations literature within human factors research to identify areas requiring an expansion of knowledge. The human-in-the-loop commonality enables human factors lessons to be passed to satellite operations from unrelated sectors to mitigate catastrophic human error potentially. As such, this literature review details the need for increased research in satellite operations human factors.