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This paper summarizes the development of multifunctional intelligent flexible materials for deployable space structures, otherwise known as the InFlex program. The goal of the work was to enhance the capabilities of inflatable structures for exploration activities such as habitats, airlocks, and space suits, with improved materials ultimately to reduce crew burden and lifecycle costs, improve system safety, and reduce system mass and launch volume. Several technical areas were investigated concurrently in an effort to combine functions and create efficient structures. These included self-healing materials, structural health monitoring systems, radiation protective materials, reduced permeability materials, anti-microbial materials, and embedded power generation and storage technologies. Methods of signal transfer were also studied in conjunction with a centralized display and warning system to interact with systems operations personnel. Individual materials and assemblies of materials have been produced and tested.

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Since retirement of the Space Shuttle Transportation System, the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Shuttle Spacesuit Assembly (SSA) is being launched on alternate vehicles and used solely for International Space Station Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs). Consequently, the SSA is being re-certified for new environments and launch and landing loads. A new fleet of commercial vehicles is emerging with new spacesuit systems, ones that will be used for Intra-Vehicular Activities (IVA) in the event of an emergency. Further on the horizon are new spacesuit systems to be used for IVA and EVA in missions to asteroids, moon, or mars. The end point of the development process for these new suits is flight certification. Because certification is one of the most costly phases, program risk is reduced by a development process that ensures success and an efficient, well executed certification program. A long history of successful certification programs for the SSA gives the impression of ease and security however; the experience gained offers many lessons. As requirements are being developed for new space suit systems, there is a need to consider certification approaches that are proficient and effective. The purpose of this paper is to introduce considerations for spacesuit assembly certification. Life cycle requirements and certification processes will be discussed with specific examples. Nomenclature ACES= Advanced Crew Escape Suit ATV = Automated Transfer Vehicle CEI = Contract End Item CIRD = Common Interface Requirements Document CTB = Cargo Transfer Bag DCM = Display and Control Module DTO = Detailed Test Objective EMU = Extra-Vehicular Mobility Unit EVA = Extra-Vehicular Activity EVVA = Extra-Vehicular Visor Assembly HTV = H-II Transfer Vehicle ISS = International Space Station IVA = Intra-Vehicular Activity LES = Launch/Entry Suit NBL = Neutral Buoyancy Lab NESC = NASA Engineering and Safety Center NEO = Near Earth Object ORU = On-orbit Reusable Unit PDA = Pre-Delivery Acceptance PLSS = Primary Life Support System RATS = Research and Technology Studies 1 Design Engineering Manager, Space Suit Assembly, One Moonwalker Road, Frederica, DE, AIAA Senior Member