Human-crewed space missions are often contrasted with robotic space missions. Actually, human beings are part of both types of missions; the distinction really is one of the roles or functions done by the people, of where the people are, and on the systems included. For many purposes, the human-crewed vs. robotic mission distinction is inadequate, as when the concern is getting the best value for and from the people involved in the mission. Then the focus shifts to be on the mission’s systems. With current technology, a more useful distinction often is between human-assisted vs. human-assisting systems.

With older technology, the systems were primarily human-assisted, and often concerned with the interaction of people and the mission infrastructure. Two examples are the breathable atmosphere system, and the inflight navigation system. With current technology, the systems can be human-assisting, where the system effectively acts as an extension or enhancement of the human contribution to the mission. Some human-assisting systems may be concerned with the interaction of people and the mission infrastructure, such as a physical sampling system onboard a human-crewed Mars rover. Some may be concerned with acquiring data, such as about soil compaction. Some may be concerned with analysis procedures, such as ascertaining soil composition. Some may help assess the meaning of acquired data, such as in doing pattern recognition in data accumulated over a sol. Some may help integrate work progress to date with limiting and environmental factors, such as in on-site on-going planning of specific activities on Mars. Using human-assisting systems in Mars missions can multiply the capability of the people thus making their efforts more effective and productive.

KEYWORDS: personnel roles; computer systems; systems functions; robotic missions; human-crewed missions; manned missions; mission systems.

Robotic Exploration