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Abstract
Extravehicular activities (EVAs) are an essential component of human space flight. Crewmembers wearing spacesuits have planted flags on the surface of the Moon, inspected the Space Shuttle’s thermal protection system, built the International Space Station, captured satellites, repaired the Hubble Space Telescope, and performed many other critical jobs. EVAs will continue to be required for human space flight. Whether future missions consist of building new space telescopes, exploring asteroids, returning to the surface of the Moon, or even visiting Mars, spacesuits will be a critical component of those missions. Over the past several years, NASA has seen significant progress in EVA system development as part of the Exploration Technology Development Program and the Constellation Program. EVA system components have typically been divided into three main systems: Pressure Garment System (PGS); Portable Life Support System (PLSS); and Power, Communications, Avionics, and Informatics (PCAI) System. The PGS contains all of the components that physically interface with the crewmember. These components include the gloves, bearings, helmet, and boots as well as the multiple layers of materials that make up the spacesuit itself. The PLSS performs the functions of thermal control, providing a pressurized oxygen environment, carbon dioxide (CO2) removal, and humidity control. The overall PLSS architecture, schematic, and packaging of the components also must be considered. The PCAI system performs the functions of power storage and delivery, communication and navigation, data acquisition and control, caution and warning, and information management. This paper provides a status on the corresponding technology development and discusses future needs for EVA system development.
Published Version
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