Characterizing Geological Work Practices and Decision-Making Processes to Inform Exploration Extravehicular Activity

Future planetary exploration extravehicular activity (EVA) will require crew to perform field geology to accomplish mission science goals. However, science operations will be constrained by the EVA environment and may conflict with how field geology has evolved on Earth. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with field-geology experts ( n = 8) who specialize in domains that align with NASA’s science goals to (1) characterize the constraints, goals, and current operations of Earth-based field geology, and (2) characterize the mental models geologists use for operational decision-making. A qualitative analysis was conducted on interview transcripts to synthesize themes across participant responses. Results were compared to the current EVA work domain to identify changes due to the introduction of science objectives and moving EVAs to natural surfaces with gravity, for example, an increased need for replanning and documentation capabilities. Additionally, tasks during exploration EVAs that may be the most affected by the risk of Earth independent human-system operations were identified. Novel physical and cognitive decision-making factors were identified that influence field geology operational planning. The findings from this study can be used to inform creating work aids that leverage the unique strengths of human geologists while still maintaining crew safety in harsh planetary environments.