LESSONS LEARNED FROM ANALOGUE MARS SURFACE SUITS: APPLICATIONS FOR NEXT GENERATION ANALOGUE SUITS AND MOON-MARS SURFACE SUITS

摘要

Future lunar and Martian exploration requires improved designs for Lunar Surface Suits (LSS) and Mars Surface Suits (MSS). The process of refining suits calls for analogue testing in a relevant environment. Since 2001, the author has been overseeing operations at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) and Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS), observing simulations using primitive analogue suits, and gathering data on suit functionality from the perspective of the experienced field scientists and engineers who use them. A next-generation analogue LSS/MSS must be designed. Some areas of design include consumables, power and waste management. Rescue of an injured explorer should also be considered. Along with these physical needs, other enhancements in data and communications and navigation capabilities are needed. Available to the wearer should be copies of documentation, mapping and other resources. Entertainment should be considered. Lastly, the suit must be modular, inexpensively manufactured, easy to maintain and clean, durable enough to provide physical protection, with differing outerwear for special needs. All of these features can be incorporated into the next generation of analogue LSS or MSS designs and be tested for integration into suits that will eventually be used for tourism or lunar and Martian exploration.