Human Research & Analogs

Introduction

NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) offers a diverse array of capabilities spanning physical simulation, research laboratories, and human-in-the-loop testing to advance space exploration and astronaut health. The Center’s human research laboratories cover a broad spectrum of human research aspects, including biomechanics, biostatistics, cardiovascular, bone and mineral and neuroscience. From microbiology and radiation analysis to decompression sickness mitigation and analog missions, NASA JSC’s capabilities are pivotal for advancing human space exploration and ensuring the success of future missions.

Analogs are designed to solve the unique challenges of living and working in extreme environments. JSC provides realistic surface analog environments to evaluate major systems, understand human performance, perform integrated systems testing and assess mission profiles. JSC also provides capability to simulate reduced gravity environments, such as lunar, Martian, or microgravity. Reduced gravity simulation can be utilized for testing, development and training for both human and hardware applications.

NASA JSC’s capabilities extend beyond physical simulation to immersive Systems Engineering Simulators (SES) that offer human-in-the-loop simulations of NASA vehicles for all phases of space missions.  We invite collaborators to join forces with us, leveraging our extensive and diverse capabilities in human research and analogs to pioneer groundbreaking advancements in space exploration and astronaut well-being. 

Human Research

Anthropometry and Biomechanics Facility 

Overview | The Anthropometry and Biomechanics Facility (ABF) is uniquely equipped to conduct a variety of biomechanics and ergonomics research studies that investigate issues humans will encounter while living, working, and exploring in space. ABF personnel provides anthropometry and biomechanical analysis and evaluation expertise to multiple groups across the NASA community, including the Extravehicular Activity Projects Office, the Commercial Crew Program, and other internal and external organizations. 

Details |

• Providing 3D whole body volumetric analysis and human modeling
• Performing work volume and reach assessments, load analysis 
• Evaluating unsuited and suited locomotion in reduced gravity environments 
• Performing space suit modeling 
• Performing Extravehicular Activities and Intravehicular Activities evaluations 
• Developing Biomechanical analyses using motion capture and force platforms in the lab, in suits, and other facilities (i.e., JSC’s ARGOS, NBL, etc.)
• Providing Task analysis 

Biostatistics Laboratory 

Overview | Biostatistics Laboratory personnel provide statistical support to groups within the NASA JSC Human Health and Performance Directorate and other NASA communities. They have expertise in the development of complex study designs, the application of modern statistical methods, and the analysis of data collected under NASA operational constraints (small sample sizes, the limited population of astronauts). 

Details | Biostatisticians provide statistical support to research and operational groups to ensure their methods and approaches produce results with statistical integrity. Additionally, biostatisticians develop novel techniques to address the special challenges raised by the idiosyncrasies of data often gathered on small numbers of human subjects under nonstandard environments and test regimens. 

• Perform data analysis and interpretation 
• Perform visualization and communication 
• Perform comprehensive research support from proposal development through publication 

Bone and Mineral Laboratory 

Overview | Bone and Mineral Laboratory (BML) personnel support ground-based and flight research to characterize the effects of real or simulated spaceflight on the musculoskeletal system and to evaluate the efficacy of countermeasures. 

Details |

• Perform dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone scans on astronauts in support of medical requirements including pre- and post-flight scans on ISS astronauts
• Scans performed every 3 years on all members of the Astronaut Corps
• DXA scans are performed for all retired astronauts as part of the Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health 
• Provides guidance in the development of astronaut medical standards and in the physiologic interpretation of data on bone and muscle loss 
• Supports musculoskeletal evaluations for both on-site research studies and collaborative studies with extramural institutions 
• Perform data collection by quantitative computed tomography for the analysis of volumetric bone density 
• Perform DXA scans providing assessment of percent lean mass and body fat
• Perform data collection by magnetic resonance imaging for analysis of muscle mass and volume 
• Evaluate skeletal health and with countermeasures as informed by clinical policymakers in the bone and mineral field 
• Tailor imaging protocols for specific clinical and research needs 

Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory 

Overview | Members of the Cardiovascular and Vision Laboratory (CVL) at NASA Johnson Space Center conduct spaceflight and ground-based spaceflight analog research to understand the cardiovascular and ocular changes that occur during spaceflight, investigate the mechanisms of these adaptations, and develop countermeasures when necessary. The CVL includes experts in spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) and have led and/or participated in all research associated the strict head-down tilt bed rest model as a spaceflight analog of SANS since it was established in 2017. The CVL also has extensive experience implementing human physiological assessments during parabolic flight. Laboratory personnel also routinely support medical testing of astronauts for the Space Medicine Clinic and testing that assists in the selection of new astronaut candidates. 

Details |

• Develop and evaluate countermeasures, including fluid loading, compression garments, veno-occlusive thigh cuff, and lower body negative pressure (LBNP)
• Comprehensive ultrasound and echocardiography imaging capabilities for cardiac, vascular and ocular targets in space and on Earth 
• Acquisition and analysis of ocular variables including optical coherence tomography (OCT) images to assess ocular structure; OCT angiography to assess ocular vasculature; intraocular pressure; retinal function via dynamic vessel analysis; ocular function via Humphrey Visual Fields and electroretinography 
• Test assessments of cardiovascular and spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome physiological outcomes 
• Evaluation of cardiovascular and spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome related hardware or software for spaceflight
• Develop, test and validate operational countermeasures for supporting cardiovascular function 
• Develop prototype flight hardware and microgravity compatible protocols 

Decompression Sickness Mitigations 

Overview | Johnson Space Center is a hub for decompression sickness research and management. Resident experts exist within research and operational aerospace medicine, dive medicine, dive physiology, decompression physiology, and exercise physiology, as well as a wide variety of engineering disciplines, including computer science and space suit engineering. This expertise coupled with cutting edge technology development enables NASA to implement leading prevention and treatment modalities for decompression sickness, not only in the operational high altitude and space environments, but in the diving environment as well. 

Details | Johnson Space Center utilizes state of the art software systems to help experts better understand decompression physics and physiology by modeling tissue absorption of inert gases such as nitrogen, nitrogen bubble formation, and nitrogen offgassing during decompression. These analyses enable NASA to better assess the risk of decompression sickness during Center Operations and to help minimize and mitigate such risks. This includes the development of pre-breathe protocols to reduce risk of decompression sickness during extravehicular activities or during suit testing and the development of operational procedures to minimize decompression sickness risk during extravehicular activity training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL).  

• Pre-Diving Medical Risk Assessment and Mitigation 
• Operational Medical Support 
• Emergency Medical Response Procedures and Capabilities 

Neuroscience Laboratory 

Overview | The Neuroscience Laboratory investigates the effects of spaceflight on the human nervous system, with particular emphasis on sensorimotor function involving changes in posture and gait function, eye-head coordination, spatial disorientation, space motion sickness, and vestibular-autonomic function. The central focus of the laboratory is both to characterize the risks to performance of critical operational tasks and the development of countermeasures to mitigate the space flight-related changes in nervous system function associated with g-state transitions. The laboratory supports ground-based research on a variety of platforms and in-flight investigations, including crew health monitoring, risk mitigation operational activities and countermeasures evaluation and validation research. 

Details |

• Provide recommendations for concept of operations and countermeasures for mitigating risks associated with spatial disorientation, motion sickness, and capsule egress
• Support sensorimotor research using space-flight analogs and inflight experiments across a variety of space vehicle platforms 
• Applied task assessments in the field (i.e. at landing sites) 
• Conduct training for astronauts and mission support personnel to anticipate impacts of deconditioning during and/or following G-transitions 
• Conduct crew health monitoring related to neurological function and recovery, including specialized testing of neurovestibular function 
• Develop sensorimotor training tools and rehabilitation for clinical use during recovery 

Overview | Pharmacotherapeutics Laboratory’s capabilities include access to expertise in pharmaceutical, toxicology, regulatory sciences and research, investigational and clinical pharmacy consultation, dosage form design, delivery, and performance, and pharmaceutical stability analyses and assessments. The Pharmacotherapeutics Laboratory also offers access to a variety of analytical workspace and state-of-the-art equipment options including environmentally controlled drug storage chambers, liquid chromatography systems (HPLC, UPLC), Mass Spectrometers, Friability and Hardness Testers, and a variety of other laboratory supplies and bench-top equipment. 

Pharmacotherapeutics Laboratory 

Details |

• Provide clinical pharmacy services
• Provide therapeutic drug monitoring 
• Provide regulatory and compliance oversight
• Provide clinical trial protocol development, execution, and oversight 
• Perform pharmaceutical dosage form design and storage 
• Perform pharmaceutical stability assessment and design 

Behavioral Health and Performance 

Overview | The Behavioral Health and Performance (BHP) capability is responsible for understanding how the conditions of spaceflight affect the thinking and behavior of astronauts and teams, and for developing and testing interventions that help them survive and thrive in these conditions. 

Details |

• Develop, assess, and validate measures of individual and team behavioral health and performance
• Develop, assess, and validate countermeasures to reduce the risks of working and living in isolated, confined, and extreme environments 
• Research design, survey design, measurement of affect, behavior, cognition, and performance 
• Develop tools for applied tasks for assessing performance 

Bioanalytical Core Laboratory 

Overview | The Bioanalytical Core Laboratory (BCL) is a multi-function facility dedicated to supplement and augment research capabilities at NASA Johnson Space Center. This collaborative space utilizes mobile and fixed laboratory casework and a wide range of instrumentation to remain flexible and adaptive to the needs of scientists and a diverse group of research partners. In addition, dedicated spaces are devoted to specific functions such as specialized microscopy, tissue culture, flight hardware development, mass spectroscopy, and more. The BCL boasts a wide range of instrumentation which is available to scientists, collaborators, and other external researchers. 

Details |

• Available to assist with equipment training, experimental design, and troubleshooting
• Provide training and use of specialized microscopic, bioanalytical, and laboratory equipment 
• Provide a skilled senior scientist to assist with analysis and experiment development as needed 
• Provide general biology and molecular bench space
• Provide access to Biosafety Level 2 tissue culture workroom 
• Perform conventional 2-D cell culture and 3-D tissue engineering in a variety of bioreactors 
• Provide Biomedical Basics training to crew, teaching mammalian tissue culture, microscopy, and techniques to support biological payloads on the International Space Station (ISS) 

Microbiology Laboratory 

Overview | Microbiology Laboratory personnel at the Johnson Space Center are concerned with microbiological issues associated with crew health and the integrity of the spacecraft and its systems. The laboratory is comprised of an integrated team of environmental microbiologists, industrial microbiologists, molecular microbiologists, medical technologists, mycologists, and biosafety professionals, who advance spaceflight operations, basic and applied research, and technology development. 

Details | The Microbiology Laboratory is a biosafety level 2 facility accredited by The American Industrial Hygiene Association and the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program. 

• Classical bacteriology and mycology, advanced molecular sequencing techniques, and host-pathogen interaction studies 
• Collect microbial analysis of environmental samples (air, water and surface) and spaceflight food 
• Develop microbial contamination standards and requirements 
• Perform custom microbial testing
• Develop prototype flight hardware and microgravity compatible protocols for molecular sequencing (i.e., MinION) 

Radiation Biology Laboratory 

Overview | The Johnson Space Center (JSC) Radiation Biology Laboratory provides analysis of cellular and molecular damages in astronauts due to space radiation exposure after long-duration space missions. 

Details |

• Perform fluorescence microscopy
• Perform gamma irradiation
• Perform analysis of DNA damage including chromosome aberrations RNA/DNA isolation techniques 
• Perform quantitative polymerase chain reaction 

Radiation Monitoring, Protection and Exposure Analysis 

Overview | The Space Radiation Analysis Group (SRAG) offers many unique capabilities at the intersection of technology development, data analysis, statistics, information technology, health care, and radiation safety. It deals with the resources, devices, and methods required to predict, monitor, and minimize crew radiation exposure. 

Details |

Console Monitoring and Support 

Johnson Space Center (JSC) has more than 50 years of operational spaceflight experience and provides round-the-clock solar radiation environment monitoring for human spaceflight operations support. SRAG also routinely participates in flight rule development; alert warning systems integration; and space weather forecast modeling. These four capabilities will help JSC ensure safe human spaceflight operations in the upcoming exploration missions beyond Low Earth Orbit. 

Radiation Testing and Logistics 

JSC routinely coordinates and conducts radiation instrument measurements at various medical and accelerator facilities around the world. These measurements are used for instrument calibration, algorithm development, requirements verification, and multi-instrument comparisons. 

Radiation Monitoring and Measurements 

JSC has unique expertise and capabilities to assess extreme environment operations, dosimetry, radiation environment measurements, and design and shielding analyses with a very strong reliance on information technology as well as leveraging technology development in radiation detection. JSC offers personal radiation exposure monitoring using personal active detectors. JSC also performs intra- and extra-vehicular radiation environment monitoring and characterization using many passive and active detectors (ranging from micro-dosimeters to charged/neutral particle spectrometers). Currently, JSC is utilizing the International Space Station (ISS) as a development/ certification testbed for future exploration-class instrumentation that will enable high fidelity measurements in simultaneous low mass/low power configurations. 

Tele Science Center 

Overview | The Tele Science Center (TSC) provides a separate mission control room in the Houston Mission Control Center that allows for privatized video and communications to support NASA’s Human Research Program sponsored investigations. 

Details |

• Digital Voice Inter-Communications Equipment (DVICE) access
• Command path to Human Research Facility through Marshall Space Flight Center Payload Operations Center 
• Live Station video 
• Ability to Privatize Comm and video from ISS 
• Realtime ISS telemetry
• Backup power from standby Generator 
• MSE and MCE workstations 

Analogs

Planetary Test Analog Site (The Rock Yard) 

Overview | NASA JSC Rock Yard provides a large outdoor multi-acre test area which simulates general features of the lunar and Martian surface terrain environment consisting of various slopes, grades, simulated craters, and strewn rock field conditions. 

Details |

Rock Yard Services 

• Test planning, consultation, and integration 
• 110 volts AC (VAC) electrical power available 
• Space suit hardware and test subject support on an “as required” cost-basis 

Beneficial Features 

• Test hardware and/or concept of operations in simulated planetary surface terrain environments 
• Existing facilities, infrastructure, and ground support equipment 
• Full operational capability and readiness
• Ability to upgrade/reconfigure as needed 
• Capabilities for demonstrating human and robotic interactive test activities 
• Analog test site area capable of enabling large scale, high fidelity integrated test activity scenarios 
• Proximity to other JSC and regional test facilities 

Human Exploration Research Analog 

Overview | Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) is a unique three-story habitat designed to serve as an analog for isolation, confinement, and remote conditions in exploration scenarios. 

Details |

• Mission Control Center (MCC) for real-time interaction with HERA crew members
• 24/7 mission video surveillance with audio, recorded during mission
• Communication delay, voice and/or text, up to 20 minutes each way 
• Simulation of Acquisition of Signal/Loss of Signal of varying duration 
• Individual crew sleeping quarters for 4 crew members 
• HERA-provided Windows-based laptops and iPads for each crewmember for investigator data collection 
• Flight Simulators to support an exploration mission scenario
• Virtual reality simulation for simulated EVA tasks 
• Biological sample collection pre, during and post mission 
• Medical Workstation (Remote medical procedures and examinations) 
• Adjustable LED lighting on L2 
• Simulated stowage module (pass through for hardware, biological samples, and trash)
• Modifiable virtual window views 
• Exercise equipment (aerobic and resistive) to simulate daily operational activities 
• Heart Rate Monitor to support exercise or research 
• Actigraphy 
• Simulated Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)
• 3D printer to support vehicle maintenance and operational tasks 
• Flight-similar galley capabilities for preparing meals (plumbed water supply) 
• Shower/sink with hot and cold running water for crew hygiene 

Human in the Loop Testing and Analog Mission Planning and Execution 

Overview | The Exploration Mission Planning Office (EMPO) at NASA JSC provides organizational expertise for analog mission planning and execution and integration of operational testing for space exploration. Human-in-the-loop (HITL) testing develops and assesses systems, innovations, and operational approaches to inform strategic architectural concept of operations decisions. 

Details | The Exploration Mission Planning Office at NASA JSC provides analog mission planning and execution of integrated operational testing for space exploration. Human-in-the-loop (HITL) testing capabilities include establishing and coordinating a multi-disciplinary approach for operational testing, integrating analysis and development components across NASA, and using the results of testing in relevant environments for closing technology, exploration, and science knowledge questions, gaps, and risks.

JSC Chamber B 

Overview | Chamber B is used for human testing in a vacuum environment and for crewed space operations testing. 

Details | NASA JSC Chamber B provides space environmental testing with vacuum thermal conditions. Chamber B is a human-rated chamber equipped with a traversing monorail that provides weight relief to one suited crew member at a time. The chamber also has dual crew airlocks to provide easy access to the test articles as well as a means of transporting test crew members to the test environment and back during tests.  Chamber B has an internal volume of 7.6 m (25 ft) diameter x 7.9 m (26 ft). Its usable test volume and high-fidelity space simulation capabilities are adaptable for thermal vacuum testing of a wide variety of test articles.​ The low temperature range of the chamber is -300° F. The pressure range of the chamber is from 1×10^-6 torr to 760 torr. 

Mockups & Simulators

Partial Gravity Simulator (POGO) 

Overview | The Partial Gravity Simulator (POGO) consists of servos, air bearings, and gimbals to provide accurate simulations of reduced gravity. 

Details |

• Utilized for astronaut training and for evaluating the crew’s ability to perform tasks in simulated partial and microgravity
• Utilized in the development and evaluation of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) equipment and techniques and for training in low or 0G mass handling 
• An integrated process to support operations assessments, integration, test readiness, and execution 
• Mission examples include human locomotion studies and training exercises 

Orion Capsule Mockup 

Overview | An Orion capsule mockup allows for training and operations assessments. 

Details |

• The SVMF Orion capsule mockup is used to support Artemis exploration activities
• Utilized for interior layout assessments and mission training 
• Capable of supporting engineering and operations evaluations such as on-orbit stowage, fit checks, emergency operations, photo/TV, and procedure development and verification 
• An integrated process to support operations assessments, integration, test readiness, and execution
• All mockups are available to support troubleshooting on the ground any time problems develop on-orbit in real-time 

Lunar EVA Training 

Overview | The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) has unique properties that enable it to support lunar EVA training scenarios and development of lunar EVA tools and hardware. 

Details | Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) can support two suited crewmembers performing a lunar EVA in close proximity to each other for up to 6.5 hours. Suited crewmembers and their tools/equipment can be weighed out to 1/6g with a realistic center of gravity. EVA crew freedom of motion and accurate center of gravity allows development of fall recovery and incapacitated crew rescue. 

• An integrated process to support operations assessments, integration, test readiness, and execution 
• Approximately 1/4 of NBL pool floor is currently occupied by Artemis moonscape 
• Lunar features designed to simulate Southern pole landing area, complete with high intensity low angle lighting 
• Lunar rock modeled after Apollo 17 Split Rock and includes significant geological features 
• NBL training can support chipping, trenching, coring, and inclines of up to 20° to simulate walking on craters and uneven terrain
• Sand colored and textured to simulate lunar regolith 
• NBL test conductor room can be configured with audio and video delay of 4 sec to simulate comm delay between MCC and lunar surface 

Microgravity EVA Training 

Overview | The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) is used to train and refine EVA operations to ensure mission success during spacewalks. 

Details |

• NBL has full-scale ISS modules with high-fidelity exteriors to support EVA training objectives
• Utilized to support mission planning, procedure development, hardware verification, and astronaut training 
• NBL suited events enable the crew to train and experience full duration end-to-end EVA operations 
• EVA crewmembers are weighed out to be neutrally buoyant to simulate the weightless environment of space 
• Safety, camera, and utility divers support suited training events to ensure safe and effective operations 
• EVA tools and hardware are weighed out and optimized to minimize impact to the crewmembers training
• An integrated process to support operations assessments, integration, test readiness, and execution 
• Extensive video, audio, and instrumentation capabilities support each training event 

Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) 

Overview | The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) is one of the world’s largest indoor pools and can support multiple large-scale operations utilizing both underwater and topside assets simultaneously. The NBL is utilized for mission planning, procedure development, hardware verification, astronaut training, and refinement of time-critical operations necessary to ensure mission success. 

Details |

• NBL has a volume of 6.2 million gallons with dimensions of length: 202 ft (61.5 m), width: 102 ft (31.1 m), and depth: 40 ft (12.2 m)
• Chlorinated freshwater environment with a temperature range of 84°-86° F (29.9°-30° C) 
• An integrated process to support operations assessments, integration, test readiness, and execution 
• Facility scheduling capabilities enable multiple large scale operations simultaneously 
• Multiple integrated control rooms 
• Clean climate controlled environment
• Extensive video, audio, and instrumentation capabilities 
• Multiple crane systems for equipment handling 
• SCUBA and surface supplied dive systems 
• On-site engineering and technical services 
• Co-located logistics and manufacturing facility
• ISO level 8 clean room to support maintenance and repair capabilities 
• Located next to the Houston Ellington Airfield with access to a taxiway 
• Within the facility, the NBL has a hyperbaric chamber, a hypobaric altitude chamber, a medical treatment room and locker room facilities 
• Classroom, meeting, high-bay work areas, and outdoor space to support training or hardware storage 
• World class safety culture 

Buoyancy Manipulation 

Overview | NASA JSC Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) has expertise in manipulating buoyancy to support microgravity or lunar surface operations. 

Details |

• Extensive Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) experience manipulating buoyancy to simulate full or partial gravity and to make mass handling in the water more manageable
• Expertise in weigh out of crew and hardware for microgravity operations
• Ability to support weigh out of lunar suited crewmembers, tools, and hardware with 1/6 gravity and a realistic center of gravity 
• An integrated process to support operations assessments, integration, test readiness, and execution 

Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) 

Overview | Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) is designed to simulate reduced gravity environments from earth gravity to microgravity. A continuous dynamic offload of a subject’s weight (or portion thereof) is maintained by a robotic motion control system that actively follows the subject’s motion within the system’s operational volume. ARGOS is capable of offloading humans (both in shirtsleeves and space suits), small rovers, and robots for testing, training, process development, and human research in simulated reduced gravity environments. 

Details | ARGOS 2 resembles an overhead bridge crane 41 x 24 x 25 feet in size. Sensors in the horizontal axes (X and Y) and vertical axis (Z) obtain displacement and force changes of the payload, allowing a computer-controlled winch to provide superimposed constant force offload above the payload’s center of mass. 

ARGOS 2 Specifications 

• 750lb offload capability 
• 13’(X) x 30’(Y) x 15’(Z) workspace 
• System wide communication for test subjects and support teams 
• Motion tracking supported by ABF 
• NASA Space suit support supported by Crew and Thermal Systems Division
• Pressurized breathing air 
• Cooling water for suits 

Motion capabilities 

• Suited Configuration: 4 ft/s vertical, 6.5 ft/s horizontal
• Unsuited configuration: 11 ft/s vertical, 6.5 ft/s horizontal  Variety of Gimbals (payload interfaces) to support suited, unsuited, and unmanned testing

Supported Test Types 

• Suited or unsuited 
• EVA in microgravity, Lunar, or Martian gravity environments
• EVA tools, process development 
• Biometric studies in reduced gravity environments 
• Robotic systems payloads New test types are possible 

Systems Engineering Simulator (SES) 

Overview | The Systems Engineering Simulator (SES) provides immersive, human-in-the-loop simulations of NASA vehicles. These simulations utilize realistic cockpits that are typically installed within a dome visual system and paired with engineering-fidelity models of the vehicle systems and the space environments in which they operate. These simulations are utilized for all phases of a space mission, from early conceptualization through system development, mission planning, training, and operations. 

Details |

• Two dome visual systems, one containing an ISS cupola mockup and the other containing an Orion mockup (either upright or reclined)
• Six-Degrees-of-Freedom (6-DOF) motion table for simulating Artemis assets, including rovers and landers 
• Video wall containing reconfigurable cockpits for assessing advanced concept vehicles 
• Math modeling of space vehicles and the environments in which they operate 
• Study/training support to develop initial conditions, verify scenarios, support operations, and post-process data as needed
• Real-time maintenance support to resolve issues with minimal downtime 

Payload Development Laboratory 

Overview | The Payload Development Laboratory (PDL) is a flight-like cylindrical International Space Station (ISS) module mockup in the B9 Space Vehicle Mockup Facility that is used for human research training, testing, simulations, procedure development, scientific payload and interface training. 

Details |  

• Full scale US laboratory mockup and associated control consoles used for Human Research Facility (HRF) Rack training and high-fidelity payload rack training
• An integrated process to support operations assessments, integration, test readiness, and execution 
• Two high fidelity Human Research Facility (HRF) racks (as on ISS) and other flight-like human research hardware 
• Flight-like voice, data, and video capabilities
• Flight-like power and utility connections and HRF laptops with flight software 
• Ground support personnel consoles with data, voice, and video connections to module interior