Minimizing the Effects of Material Obsolescence on Constellation Space Suit System Design

Materials used for manned space flight are tightly controlled to ensure the safety of the crewmembers. Significant changes to the economic environment as well as impact from environmental restrictions have resulted in material obsolescence that requires recertification or revalidation, increasing cost and risk to the program.

This paper will review the impact this issue has had on the Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Space Suit Assembly (SSA) and will provide insight into challenges expected for the Constellation Space Suit System (CSSS) program. Factors that affect availability, the impacts of material obsolescence, identification processes and risk reduction and management are described.