About us

The Aerospace Systems Technical Group (ASTG) is concerned with the application of human factors to the development, design, certification, operation, and maintenance of human-machine systems in aviation and space environments. The group addresses issues for civilian and military systems in the realm of performance and safety.

We are a technical group of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), the world’s largest scientific association for human factors and ergonomics professionals.

2025 Leadership team

Arjun Rao
(Boeing)
Chair

Nayara De Oliveira Faria
(Virginia Tech, Boeing)
Vice-Chair

Philippe Doyon-Poulin
(Polytechnique Montréal)
Program Chair

Rodrigo Lopes
(Beta)
Program Vice-Chair

Amanda Harwood
(Northrop Grumman Space)
Treasury

The leadership team meets online every two weeks to coordinate the work and exchange with volunteers.

Volunters

Katie Sabo
Clemson University
Student Volunteer

Shraddha Swaroop
University of California
Professional Volunteer

Srishti Rawal
Polytechnique Montréal
Student Volunteer

Want to join our team? Get in touch with us and we will find an opportunity for you!

Technical Focus

Human factors practitioners working in the field of aerospace are engaged in basic research, advanced system design, and improvement of current operational systems. The human factors practitioner is the primary user advocate during system development, testing, and operation.

• Crewstation design – single and multi-operator
• Operator-computer interface-software design
• Control and display technology
• Training devices and protocols, system usability evaluations
• Anthropometric measurement
• Environmental effects on human performance
• Human performance analysis and subjective assessment

The government, industry, and academia conduct research related to human factors in aerospace systems. Most of this research is involved with military and civilian aircraft, air traffic control or space systems. Some of the areas of research conducted by members of the ASTG include:

• Effects of fly-by-wire systems on general aviation pilot performance
• Development of an automated measure of air traffic controller workload
• Information requirements of en route air traffic controllers
• Luminance requirements for helmet-mounted displays
• Seating for military aircraft

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

HFES strongly values its vision of “a future in which the reach, relevance and quality of human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) are greatly expanded by enriching the science and enhancing its impact on solving societal problems,” including systemic racism. In support of this vision, we value and celebrate the diversity of students, practitioners, educators, researchers and other individuals who engage in the profession of HF/E and the stakeholders who benefit from their practice.