Human-AI Interaction in Space: Insights from a Mars Analog Mission with the Harmony Large Language Model

Hilgers, Hippolyte;Vanderdonckt, Jean;Vatavu, Radu-Daniel
(2025) 4th Int. Conf. on Human-Computer Interaction for Space Exploration (SpaceCHI 2025) — Location: European Astronaut Centre (EAC), Cologne, Germany (23.June.2025)

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Authors
  • Hilgers, HippolyteUCLouvain
    Author
  • Vanderdonckt, Jeanorcid-logoUCLouvain
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  • Vatavu, Radu-Danielorcid-logoStefan cel Mare University of Suceava
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Abstract
The operational complexities of space missions require reliable, context-aware technical assistance for astronauts, especially when technical expertise is not available onboard and communication with Earth is delayed or limited. In this context, Large Language Models present a promising opportunity to augment human capabilities. To this end, we present Harmony, a model designed to provide astronauts with real-time technical assistance, fostering human-AI collaboration during analog missions. We report empirical results from an experiment involving seven analog astronauts that evaluated their user experience with Harmony in both a conventional environment and an isolated, confined, and extreme physical setting at the Mars Desert Research Station over four sessions, and discuss how the Mars analog environment impacted their experience. Our findings reveal the extent to which human-AI interactions evolve across various user experience dimensions and suggest how Harmony can be further adapted to suit extreme environments, with a focus on SpaceCHI.
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Hilgers, H., Vanderdonckt, J., & Vatavu, R.-D. (2025). Human-AI Interaction in Space: Insights from a Mars Analog Mission with the Harmony Large Language Model. In Leonie Bensch, Tommy Nilsson, Martin Nisser, Pat Pataranutaporn, Albrecht Schmidt, and Valentina Sumini (ed.), Advancing Human-Computer Interaction for Space Exploration (p. p. 1-20). https://doi.org/10.4230/OASIcs.SpaceCHI.2025.1