Jason Goldberg, Riverside Research Institute; Timothy Waltz, Riverside Research Institute
Keywords: Crew Resource Management, Behavioral Psychology, Human Behavior, High Performance Teams, Human-Human-Teaming
Abstract:
Human error is ubiquitous and inevitable. As automation and artificial intelligence tools become more prevalent, the role of human operators becomes more critical in managing complex systems during normal and off-nominal situations. Addressing human factors is essential to ensure safety by trapping human error when it occurs. Minimizing the consequences of human error is crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness and optimizing performance in increasingly complex environments. Furthermore, it helps preserve strategic assets by protecting valuable space infrastructure. As the operational environment of space becomes increasingly complex and technology-dependent, the role of human operators remains pivotal in ensuring mission success and infrastructure safety.
To ensure the success of space operations in increasingly complex environments we introduce the applicability of Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles, rooted in behavioral psychology. This includes activities ranging from ground-based sensor management, centralized scheduling and tasking, coordination efforts, to spacecraft control and satellite operations. CRM is the process used by crew members to identify existing and potential threats to safe operations and to develop, communicate, and implement plans and actions to avoid or mitigate perceived threats. Despite the demonstrated benefits of CRM in aviation and manned spaceflight, it has yet to be systematically adopted across satellite operations and space domain awareness (SDA) functions. We introduce a pathway to enhance the human operational layer within space domain activities by integrating CRM tenets, thereby improving team performance, safety, and mission success. This is accomplished by providing training that focuses on group dynamics including assertiveness, leadership, mission analysis, situational awareness, interpersonal communications, adaptability/flexibility, and decision-making. Functional SDA or satellite operations training have traditionally focused on the human-machine interface, emphasizing technological tools and user preferences. While there is substantial scientific data on the technologies and tools used by operators, there is a notable gap in applying behavioral psychology principles to improve team dynamics and human performance in space operations. We submit four case studies illustrating the applicability of these principles to space operations. Integrating these principles into training at all levels is a vital piece to improving upon those team dynamics.
This paper argues for the urgent implementation of CRM training for space domain operations personnel by synthesizing findings from historical case studies, behavioral psychology principles, and human factors policy frameworks. Drawing on FAA guidance, human error research, and CRM case studies, we present a comprehensive paradigm and actionable pathway for integrating CRM into space operations training programs.
[i] University of Texas at Austin Human Factors Research Project: 235 Helmreich, R.L., Merritt, A.C., & Wilhelm, J.A. (1999). The evolution of Crew Resource Management training in commercial aviation. International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 9(1), 19-32.
Date of Conference: September 16-19, 2025
Track: Space Domain Awareness