A hazard control system for a robot in Space Shuttle applications

The authors describe a systematic approach being taken to control hazards that could result from introducing robotics technology in the space environment. System safety management and engineering principles, techniques, and requirements are discussed as they relate to Shuttle payload design and operation in general. The concepts of hazard, hazard category, and hazard control, as defined by the Shuttle payload safety requirements, are explained. How these general safety management and engineering principles are being implemented on an actual project is shown. An example of hazard control system scheme for controlling one of the hazards identified for the first test (Development Test Flight-1) of the Flight Telerobotic Servicer, a teleoperated space robot, is presented