NASA proposes to fly a new Exploration Spacesuit within the next decade that will enable safe and efficient EVA operations at multiple destinations for human space exploration supported by multiple spacecraft; affordably support incorporation of new technologies; increase crew safety for training and flight operations; improve reliability to enable multi-year missions with limited hardware and spares; increase operational efficiency by reducing crew time for EVA preparation and maintenance; and reduce the mass of the spacesuit, supporting systems, and consumables. In 2012, the Oceaneering-led C-SAFE team worked to develop key technologies needed for such a suit. These technologies were identified because they could benefit from early, focused development, and because they were not being addressed by other NASA development efforts. These efforts include Positive Pressure Relief Valve (PPRV), Feedwater Supply Assembly (FSA), C-SAFE LCG testing, Avionics Cold Plate, Heads-up display, and two advanced glove development efforts. The paper also provides recommendations for future work in these areas and offers insight into both current and future technology development for an Exploration Spacesuit.
NomenclatureACP = avionics cold plate BTU = british thermal units CFD = computational fluid dynamics CMC = carpometacarpal C-SAFE = Crew Spacesuit Accommodations for Exploration COTS = commercial off the shelf EEU = engineering evaluation unit EVA = extravehicular activity EVAIS = EVA information system FSA = feedwater supply assembly FTP = file transfer protocol GPS = global positioning system GRC = Glenn Research Center LCG = liquid cooling garment LCVG = liquid cooling ventilation garment MCP = metacarpophalangeal MEOP = maximum expected operating pressure NTP = network time protocol PCAI = Power, Communication, Avionics and Informatics PLSS = portable life support system PPRV = positive pressure relief valve SDR = system design review SRR = system requirements review SSA = spacesuit assembly TMG = thermal micrometeoroid garment
