Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) Visualization

Please note: due to the nature of defense work, details are omitted, and information is edited to represent notional systems or capabilities.

Problem Statement

New space vehicles were developed to support the on-orbit installation of solar panels and fuel tanks. Successful planning of the Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) required visualization for planners to plan both:

• Immediate RPO procedures and paths per spacecraft

• Spaceflight over the course of months at a time

Visualization tools were limited or lacking and needed to better depict safety zones, keep out zones, safe space for maneuvers, and long-term flightpath while conserving resources.

Process

Followed a traditional UX process of research, define, ideate, prototype, and test.  

I conducted the following tasks:

• Lead research with SMEs on RPOs and required data and identified information gaps

• Defined success criteria with SMEs and customer representation

• Designed several methods to visualize in 2D, 3D, and long-term multiple RPO

• Tested concepts with SMEs

• Updated concepts with SMEs

• Collaborated with software developers on implementation of 2D, 3D, and multiple RPOs

Solution

Provide playback and timeline tools with visualization of keep out zones, success and error visualization. Provide multiple viewpoints to understand how the RPO will occur at each location and how the space vehicle will determine space to conduct a safe RPO and visit each satellite for repairs.