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To better understand the effects of perturbing the organism over the course of long-term space missions, there is a need to provide NASA with a practical and validated tool for modeling human performance in space under normal and stressed conditions. We will build this tool around the technology of Task Network Modeling. Task network modeling has been developed and applied in other similar domains for the past twelve years. By being able to predict human performance under stress with task network models, NASA will be better able to 1) design a user interface to support the human during high-demand periods, 2) allocate functions between the human and machine, including dynamic allocation of functions, 3) develop methods whereby intelligent agents may be used to assist humans in high stress periods, and 4) develop methods for maximizing situational awareness during high stress periods.

The impact of the human-environment interface on human performance during long-term space missions has been a major focus of attention over the last thirty years. Human factors requirements necessary for operational productivity and comfort have been the subject of numerous investigations. In this paper, some of the more significant findings are reviewed,with a view towards identifying areas of human factors/ergonomics which remain problematic and in need of further study. Special attention is directed towards the study of issues related to crew workload during long term space missions. The further application and potential of task network computer modeling tools is briefly discussed.