This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Performance Evaluation of Candidate Space Suit Elements for the Next Generation Orbital EMU
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
The projections of increased Extravehicular Activity (EVA) operations for the Space Station Freedom (SSF) resulted in the development of advanced space suit technologies to increase EVA efficiency. To eliminate the overhead of denitrogenation, candidate higher-operating pressure suit technologies were developed. The AX-5 all metallic, multi-bearing technologies were developed at the Ames Research Center, and the Mk. III fabric and metallic technologies were developed at the Johnson Space Center.
Following initial technology development, extensive tests and analyses were performed to evaluate all aspects of candidate technology performance. The current Space Shuttle space suit technologies were used as a baseline for evaluating those of the AX-5 and Mk. III. Tests included manned evaluations in the Weightless Environment Training Facility and KC-135 zero-gravity aircraft. Unmanned tests and analyses were also conducted to measure joint torque, range, cycle life, and environmental protection characteristics. Data included both numerical results and test subject comments on performance.
While the SSF Program has decided to utilize the Space Shuttle space suit for the foreseeable future, the results of this program will provide valuable information for future on-orbit EVA suit applications. This paper presents the candidate suit technologies and discusses the methods that were applied to evaluate their performance. Processes used to evaluate the data, and results of this study are also presented.
Recommended Content
Technical Paper | Performance Evaluation of Advanced Space Suit Concepts for Space Station |
Technical Paper | Recirculating Regenerative Environmental Control System |
Book | Engine Revolutions |
Topic
Citation
West, P. and Trausch, S., "Performance Evaluation of Candidate Space Suit Elements for the Next Generation Orbital EMU," SAE Technical Paper 921344, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/921344.Also In
References
- Klaus David M. West Philip R. “Performance Evaluation of Advanced Space Suit Concepts for Space Station,” SAE Technical Paper 891591 , Nineteenth lntersociety Conference on Environmental Systems San Diego, CA July 24-26 1989
- Provenzano R. Trausch S. West P. “Space Suit Technology Selection Panel Summary Presentation” Crew and Thermal Systems Division NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX CTSD-SS-447, JSC-24882 March 22 1991
- “Anthropometric Source Book Vol 1: Anthropometry for Designers,” NASA Reference Publication 1024 July 1978 IV 5