Advancing Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Spaceflight Operations and Education by Supporting Analogue Metrics Analysis and Developing Spacesuit Demonstrations

摘要

Spacesuits are much more than a one-person spacecraft that protects the human body against the extreme and harsh space environment, they can be an extension to human capability. Spacesuits are often used during extravehicular activities (EVAs) where astronauts perform tasks outside of the spacecraft, also known as a spacewalk. During EVAs, astronauts are at risk of injury due to compromised human performance within the spacesuit. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Human Research Program (HRP) is comprised of risks that could compromise the safety and efficiency of space exploration. Although risks are identified, there is missing research information and data that is necessary to further understand how to reduce risk during manned spaceflight missions. To further investigate the research gaps identified by NASA HRP, the Spacesuit Utilization of Innovative Technology Laboratory, or S.U.I.T. Lab, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) will be focusing on EVA human health and performance. With guidance from the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), the S.U.I.T. Lab will be performing two studies collecting data relating to spacesuit mobility, design and safety during EVAs. With the data collected, S.U.I.T. Lab will develop an operations checklist that can be used for space analogue sites for spacesuit measurements and data collection. Within this manuscript the S.U.I.T. Lab will be providing operations to fulfill space industry research needs along with furthering Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.