Project Title:

Applicability of Expert System Techniques to Space Research

07.05-1200
Applicability of Expert System Techniques to Space Research
Computer Technology Associates, Inc.
5680 S. Syracuse Circle, Suite 506
Englewood
CO
80111
Hobbs
Robert W.
29266
50,000
GSFC

Abstract:

The purpose of this project is to study the feasibility of providing on-line assistance
to space scientists using an expert system.  In Phase I, the process will be examined
in terms of how advanced computer science techniques can be used to provide support
in information management, data retrieval and analysis.  We will study the language
structure necessary to support such an expert system, and will develop a small-scale
prototype.  The significance of this project is that if expert knowledge in space
research can be captured and codified, it can be used in an expert system to conduct
research on data to be obtained from space.  Expert systems have been shown to be
effective in assisting practitioners in several fields.
	As the space station is being planned, it is appropriate to study a cost-effective
means using pre-existing expert knowledge to support the analysis of the large volume
of scientific data that will come from scientific instruments in space.  In this
project we will develop a language, formulate rules, and develop a small-scale prototype
expert system to assist a space scientist in conducting a scientific research program.
 The concepts that will be developed will have a broad applicability in research
in physical sciences and remote sensing.