Modelling and Using Common Ground in Human-agent Collaboration during Spacecraft Operations

Abstract

Space operations involve the control of complex technical equipment in highly dynamic and unknown environments. This is a challenging task for human operators. To facili- tate this task, mission-critical software systems need to be able to truly engage in joint activities with their human operators; i.e. these systems need to be designed for inter- dependence with the operators. A key aspect of undertaking joint activities in human teams is the representation and maintenance of common ground-the information that participants in a joint activity share and assume to be shared. It has been proposed that maintenance of common ground is also important in the operation of space software sys- tems,..