Spacesuit Glove Thermal Micrometeoroid Garment Protection Versus Human Factors Design Parameters

The outer cover layer of the spacesuit (the Thermal Micrometeoroid Garment or TMG) is designed to protect the inner layers and the astronaut from the hazards of the space environment. Providing this protection in the gloves becomes a human factors and materials design challenge. The gloves require more protection from hazards such as abrasion, puncture, and thermal conduction than the other parts of the suit due to the hand/tool interface as the astronaut works in space. At the same time, the TMG designer must also try to meet demanding human factors goals, such as minimizing fatigue, and maximizing tactility and gripping ability.

This paper provides a general review of the glove TMG, including definitions of the glove and its functions, and details of the parameters that are considered when designing for protection and performance. Results of glove testing to determine the impact of the TMG on glove performance will be reported. Finally, some consideration of future requirements for Space Station and beyond will be discussed, including some lessons learned that should be applied to new designs.