Pathway to the Future of Simulation and Learning
by
Ahmed K. Noor
University of Virginia and NASA Langley Research Center

A multimedia presentation is given on the distributed simulation, research and learning environment under development by NASA and the UVA Center for Advanced Computational Technology. The environment uses a synergistic combination of leading edge technologies, including high-performance computing; high-capacity communications and networking; information; human computer interaction; modeling, simulation and visualization. The environment will link scientists, design teams, manufacturers, suppliers and consultants in the creation and operation of an aerospace system and in synthesizing its mission. It will radically advance the processes by which life-cycle simulations of high-tech systems are performed and complex science missions are synthesized. It will, in addition, enable the creation of a new, more effective learning paradigm.

Future space missions include detecting earth-sized planets 600 trillion miles away with a telescope powerful enough to determine signs of life. Future aerospace systems will resemble biological systems. They will learn and adapt as they go, essentially performing their own mission tasking. The new environment will be used for the synthesis of future missions and the development of aerospace systems.

The presentation will focus on the opportunities provided by the synergistic couplings of leading edge technologies for modeling, simulation and learning.

Date received: April 28, 1999