Urgent Computing beyond Low Earth Orbit: Enabling Earth-Independent Operations in Human Space
Publication Date
3-20-2026
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Computing in Science and Engineering
DOI
10.1109/MCSE.2026.3675869
Abstract
In human space exploration, complexity of vehicles compounded by hostile elements of the space environment can turn otherwise benign anomalies into outright emergencies. On missions in low Earth orbit such anomalies are routinely resolved by flight controllers at the mission control center on the ground. The rigorous data-driven decision-making process that mission control engages arguably epitomizes the essence of urgent science. With destinations of expeditions reaching beyond low Earth orbit, light time delayed communication will render Earth-based support more difficult and necessitate technological solutions backed by urgent computing onboard future vehicles. This paper presents case studies to illustrate the type of problems often encountered in human space exploration and how human-centered urgent computing will be needed help astronauts manage unanticipated safety critical situations that have so far been handled in real-time by the large team of experts on the ground.
Department
General Engineering; Research Foundation
Recommended Citation
Tina L. Panontin, Megan E. Parisi, Shu Chieh Wu, John A. Karasinski, and Alonso H. Vera. "Urgent Computing beyond Low Earth Orbit: Enabling Earth-Independent Operations in Human Space" Computing in Science and Engineering (2026). https://doi.org/10.1109/MCSE.2026.3675869
