In article ,
Bob Noel wrote:

The way to think of this is that very few scientific experiments or
engineering tests are done anymore using human manipulations, human
observations, or directly human-operated equipment -- EVEN ON EARTH.

That is certainly a way to look at it. It's wrong, but hey....

The reality is that experiments and tests are setup manually. Many are
performed or conducted with computers or machines. But they still
have to setup, debugged, etc etc.


Sure -- that's all the stuff you would do *before* launch, whether
manned or unmanned -- then send up the finished, assembled, debugged,
tested, calibrated computer-controlled apparatus.

[Or do we also install a machine shop, stockroom and parts room, drill
presses, soldering irons, selection of ICs and photodetectors, test and
calibration equipment, all that stuff up there in the ISS, and let the
astronauts do all the design and assembly of their instruments once they
get up there?]