Performance Evaluations of an Advanced Space Suit Design for International Space Station and Planetary Applications

Graziosi, David; Ferl, Jinny

doi:10.4271/1999-01-1967

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The challenges in designing an inflatable pressure suit for life support often lie in the balance between maintaining the required internal pressure/shape of the suit and in providing the suited subject enough mobility to complete their assigned tasks. While the current suit performs well in zero gravity, a different type of suit will be required to meet the astronaut's needs for planetary surface exploration and for improved productivity in zero gravity operations of the future [3]. In this light, ILC Dover, Inc. has been developing the I-Suit, an advanced, high-mobility suit that incorporates enabling technology enhancements (Figure 3).…”

Section: Extravehicular Activity Space Suitmentioning

confidence: 99%

Manufacturing and Performance Assessments of Several Applications of Electrotextiles and Large-Area Flexible Circuits

Cadogan

Shook

2002

MRS Proc.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Numerous applications of electrotextiles and flexible circuits have been identified that can advance systems performance for many commercial, military, and aerospace devices. Several novel uses of electrotextiles have been developed for lab testing, while others have been utilized in products on the commercial market, as well as items that have flown in space. ILC Dover, Inc. has utilized conductive fibers in various inflatable and tensile structures for signal transmission and electrostatic charge protection. Conductive and pressure sensitive textiles have been incorporated in the advanced development space suit (I-Suit) as switch controls for lights and rovers, and as signal transmission cables. Conductive fibers have been used in several stitched applications for electrostatic charge dissipation. These applications include large pharmaceutical containment enclosures where fine potent powders are being captured for transfer between manufacturing facilities, as well as impact attenuation airbags used in landing spacecraft on the surface of Mars. In both cases, conductive threads are uniquely located in seams and panel locations to gather and direct charge through surface fibers and panel interconnects. Conductive fibers have also been utilized in a conformal Sensate Liner garment for the identification of wound locations and medical sensor signal transmission for soldier health monitoring while on the battlefield. The performance challenges of these structures require a careful, systematic application of electrotextiles because of the flexing, straining, and exposure of the materials to harsh environments. ILC has also been developing “gossamer” spacecraft components utilizing unique materials and multi-functional structures to achieve extremely low mass and low launch volumes. Examples of large deployable structures featuring very thin, large flexible circuits for use in space include synthetic aperture radar (SAR) antennas, communications antenna reflectarrays, and active variable reflectance solar sails. Design and materials challenges of electrotextile and large-area flexible circuit membrane structures as demonstrated in engineered applications will be discussed in this paper.

show abstract

Section: Extravehicular Activity Space Suitmentioning

confidence: 99%

Manufacturing and Performance Assessments of Several Applications of Electrotextiles and Large-Area Flexible Circuits

Cadogan

Shook

2002

MRS Proc.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The mobility of hip joints of the Apollo space suit was less than desired [3,8,9]. This shortcoming can be eliminated in a next-generation PSS.…”

Section: Hip Jointsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The PSS enclosure construction must allow the suited crewmember to rise/stand up after falling. Tests performed both in Russia [6] and the USA [8,9] show that prior to rising/standing on a level surface, the suited crewmember must take a prone position. When tested at the Zvezda test facility (1/6g), the suited crewmember was able to stand up by proceeding through the following motions: pushing off with his hands and moving his torso backward to a kneeling position and rising from the kneeling to the standing position by any of several techniques.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Concept of Space Suit Enclosure for Planetary Exploration

Abramov¹,

Moiseyev²,

Stoklitsky³

2001

SAE Technical Paper Series

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

At present advanced projects of the early XXI century are beginning to develop. These projects include lunar base development and manned missions to Mars. The space suit is one of the basic requirements for successful implementation of future programs. The space suit enclosure enables mobility of crewmembers wearing pressurized space suits which will be required to complete these missions. Requirements on Planetary Space Suit (PSS) enclosure design, especially for elements providing mobility of the lower torso assembly will be different from these on orbital space suit enclosure design, intended for zero gravity conditions. The PSS enclosure provides cosmonaut/astronaut movement on planetary exploration surfaces, ascent/descent of the Landing Module ladder, suited crewmember's bending etc. Thus this PSS component will play a considerable role in successful fulfillment of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) tasks on planetary surfaces. The paper comprises the following: n Analysis of the specific environmental conditions and EVA characteristics on the Moon and Mars n Major PSS enclosure requirements n PSS enclosure design concepts analysis n PSS lower torso assembly concept for the Moon and Mars

show abstract

“…the Apollo and shuttle EMUs). A 1999 study by ILC Dover [11] pitted these three suits against each other, to compare their range of motions, actuation torques, and ease in performing routine tasks (e.g. walking on a treadmill, rising from a prone or supine position).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of a Cable-Driven Parallel Mechanism for Pressure Suit Arm Resizing and Motion Assistance

Benson

2007

SAE Technical Paper Series

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The fit of a spacesuit has been identified as a crucial factor that will determine its usability. Therefore, because one-size-fits-all spacesuits seldom fit any wearer well, and because individually tailored spacesuits are costly, the University of Maryland has conducted research into a resizable Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suit. This resizing is accomplished through a series of cable-driven parallel manipulators, which are used to adjust the distance between plates and rings built into a soft space suit.These actuators, as well as enabling passive suit resizing, could be used to actively assist the astronaut's motion, decreasing the torques that must be applied for movement in a pressurized suit. This thesis details the development and testing of an arm test section, which is used to better understand the dynamics of a more complex torso-limb system.

show abstract

Performance Evaluations of an Advanced Space Suit Design for International Space Station and Planetary Applications

Cited by 7 publications

References 0 publications

Manufacturing and Performance Assessments of Several Applications of Electrotextiles and Large-Area Flexible Circuits

Manufacturing and Performance Assessments of Several Applications of Electrotextiles and Large-Area Flexible Circuits

Concept of Space Suit Enclosure for Planetary Exploration

Investigation of a Cable-Driven Parallel Mechanism for Pressure Suit Arm Resizing and Motion Assistance

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About