Relevant Environments for Analysis and Development (READy): Enabling Human Space Exploration Through Integrated Operational Testing

NASA is currently developing a multi-phase human exploration plan to explore various destinations throughout the solar system. These campaigns are currently focused on missions to cis-lunar space, the Moon, and Mars. All future exploration missions include Extravehicular Activity (EVA) operations that will comprise of both engineering-focused tasks for constructing and maintaining infrastructure, as well as science-driven operations for exploration of the natural environment.
Integrated operational tests, also known as analogs, provide relevant data for informing concepts, flushing out technical details, and evolving systems. Analogs close technology, capability, and science gaps; identify and develop the best systems, innovations, and operational approaches; drive out results for things that do and do not work in a mission environment; and inform strategic architectural and concept of operations development efforts. These analogs further inform the Exploration EVA System Concept of Operations document by exploring the combination of operations, engineering, and science for future destinations in mission-like environments.
Exploration and analog experts from NASA’s Exploration Integration & Science Directorate (EISD) established the Relevant Environments for Analysis and Development (READy) Program in order to enable human space exploration through the integration and testing of technologies, systems, operations, and science. The READy team leads the development and execution of high-fidelity operational exploration missions that closely mimic the space environment of interest. The READy Program facilitates exploration objectives through four themes 1) Tools, 2) Techniques, 3) Technologies, and 4) Training, and takes place in three general types of environments 1) Aquatic, 2) Terrestrial, and 3) Laboratory.
READy fulfills key objectives that enable human exploration, while providing synergy and ensuring integration across a wide variety of activities. These efforts will ultimately lead to mission readiness and success, reduce risk, increase scientific return, and improve the affordability of NASA programs and missions. This paper outlines READy’s strategy and implementation plan.