A Cloud Computing Infrastructure to Support xEMUs and Future EVAs

Abstract

To create a safer operational environment during EVAs, we propose OCTaVIA (Operations Control, Translation, and Visual Interface Assistance), a modular and robust system that incorporates industry-standard technologies used in cloud architectures. The main features include distributed data storage, processing and redundancy, a communications infrastructure designed for disaster recovery, computational load balancing, localization services, and passive safety mechanisms. We utilize a testbed composed of several Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano devices placed on stationary posts within the EVA workspace, which operate as nodes in a Kubernetes infrastructure, a system that automatically deploys, manages, and scales containerized applications. The system offers distributed processing and communications through the Raspberry Pi devices, GPU-intensive computing devices with Jetson Nanos, and LiDAR-enhanced visual technology to support remote as well as automated monitoring of EVA worksites. OCTaVIA is part of ARGOS, a larger solution presented at ICES 2021 aimed at creating an information and communications management system that utilizes augmented reality to let astronauts interact with mission personnel and assets.