IVA spacesuit for commercial spaceflight - Upper body motion envelope analysis

Abstract

This paper introduces a new, preliminary physical ergonomics model for spacecraft cabin and cockpit architecture and for control systems layout conceptualization. The research was executed during a year-long collaboration between the Florida Institute of Technology's Human Spaceflight Laboratory and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Spacesuit Utilization of Innovative Technology Laboratory. It focused on physical ergonomics using an adjustable intravehicular activity Terra Spacesuit manufactured by Final Frontier Design (FFD). The main goal of this laboratory research was to generate an FFD spacesuit specific reference model of reach envelope. The model provides concrete numerical data about potential spaceflight participants' or astronauts' upper body motion, which can be used to improve spacecraft interior design. The reach envelope was mapped using an IR motion tracking system in unsuited, suited unpressurized, and suited pressurized configurations. The resulting model is presented as a geometric area accessible to all test subjects participating in this research. Although this experimental model is based on training spacesuit hardware and operated under lower (1.5 psid) than usual (3.5 psid) operating pressure, it demonstrates the physical ergonomic limitations of wearing an Intra Vehicular Activity pressurized suit. This model further helps spacecraft cabin, flight deck or cockpit architects to identify the optimum internal layout of the vehicle, placement of the control and display components. Control function activation during specific phases of the spaceflight may require either unpressurized or pressurized spacesuit operations. The accessibility of the control input systems is the primary factor in their placement inside the cockpit. More importantly, the vehicle controls, system input devices, and displays should be not only within reach, but also within an executable/operational position and configuration, or work envelope.