Extravehicular Activity Research Articles

Temporal and Spatial Analysis of Forward and Backward Microbial Contamination in a Mars Analog Mission

As human exploration missions to Mars are on the horizon, microbial cross-contamination remains a key issue to address. These issues can be approached today using advances in molecular metagenomics methods, which include rapid and sensitive sequencing platforms for characterizing microbial populations. Combined with analog missions, these methods provide powerful tools for assessing the challenges associated with planetary exploration. Here, we designed a protocol to monitor forward and backward contamination events and progression in an 11-days Mars analog mission in the Ramon crater in Israel. Forward contamination soil samples were collected daily from three sites–two sites in close proximity to the habitat and one isolated site. Backward contamination was determined in samples from nitrile gloves of six analog astronauts before and after extravehicular activities Temperature, relative humidity and soil composition data were also collected for all sites. Environmental DNA samples were extracted in the main habitat and 16S (bacterial) and 18S (eukaryotic, fungal) rRNA gene amplicons were sequenced and analyzed to study microbial population diversity and composition. Shannon Diversity index analysis and Principal Coordinates analysis (PCoA) of rRNA genes indicated that differences in the diversity and population composition were significant in sites closer to the habitat when compared to a reference site. These samples also demonstrated the introduction of human-associated taxa to the environment. Backward contamination consisted of bacterial taxa found on gloves upon return from EVA and also detected in soil, altogether 44 genera, indicating backward contamination events. To our knowledge, this is the first protocol to utilize advanced molecular technologies to investigate forward and backward contamination in a Mars analog mission.

Application of Virtual Reality Technologies in Training Cosmonauts for Extravehicular Activities.

The paper considers the topical areas of applying VR environment in the pro-cess of training cosmonauts to perform extravehicular activities. The tasks that can be solved using virtual reality are defined. The paper gives a descrip-tion of operations and scenarios for which it is possible to use virtual reality systems. The stages of cosmonaut training, at which it is advisable to apply the results of the defined tasks, are determined.

The Electronic FieldBook: A system for supporting distributed field science operations during astronaut training and human planetary exploration

Scientific exploration will play an important role in future human missions to the Moon and Mars. Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVA) on the surface of these objects will be supported by a host of technologies driving operations and data collection. In order to enhance the scientific return of each EVA and utilise expertise located on Earth, it is necessary to record, index and store all the scientific information collected on a planetary surface, and rapidly distribute it amongst the relevant mission support personnel in a structured way. How this information is stored and shared amongst mission support elements will make a significant difference to the feedback that can be provided to EVA teams before, during, and after exploratory EVAs. The Electronic Fieldbook (EFB) is an innovative information system, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in the context of their astronaut field training courses and test campaigns, composed of deployable hardware and software designed to fulfil this role. The system uses peer-to-peer networking and mesh protocols to provide disruption tolerant data transmission, as well as information harmonisation and sharing among all system users. Its software stack is platform agnostic, and the system is able to interface with external instruments and tools to gather and centralise data. A combination of commercial off the shelf and custom hardware currently supports the EFB network and interfaces. Users can collect scientific data and document sampling procedures through attaching images, instrument readings, written and audio notes, and other metadata, and have it automatically distributed to all authorised users across its network. Through this system, the EFB enables real-time situational awareness to all science instructors and simulated mission support positions, such as mission control, science backrooms, and Intra-Vehicular crew. The EFB has been developed in the context of the CAVES and PANGAEA astronaut training programmes developed by ESA and is targeting deployment in future lunar and Martian human exploration missions.

Remote science activities during the AMADEE-18 Mars analog mission: Preparation and execution during a simulated planetary surface mission

In preparation for future human-robotic exploration missions to Mars, the interaction between the in-situ Field Crews and a Remote Science Support (RSS) team on Earth is key. Human robotic exploration missions will experience communication delays, reduced bandwidth, limited availability of astronauts and robotic assets. This, in turn, elucidates the necessity for relatively autonomous frameworks such as robust protocols and comprehensive decision-making workflows. The AMADEE-18 analog mission in Oman simulated selected components of human planetary surface exploration, emphasizing the overall workflow integrating operational constraints with exploration-science related needs. In this work, we outline the operational objectives, processes, and lessons learned corresponding to the interaction between the remote science team and the mission's associated stakeholders. We have taken the lessons learned from past simulated missions and the training procedures established by OeWF (Austrian Space Forum), from which we were able to rigorously evaluate the role of the RSS team in the AMADEE-18 mission. We have analyzed the integration of a WorkFlow and Exploration Cascade within the context of the RSS in-depth, which cumulatively allowed for the successful deployment of Extravehicular activities during the mission. We found that a serial node work distribution of the remote science team was optimal for the success of integral tasks . Moreover, we implemented various modes of communication and found that Slack was the most effective and robust. The AMADEE-18 mission, along with its predecessors, forms part of a continuously developing body of research serving to inform and improve future human planetary exploration.

The Partial Pressure of Inspired Carbon Dioxide Exposure Levels in the Extravehicular Mobility Unit.

BACKGROUND: NASA has been making efforts to assess the carbon dioxide (CO₂) washout capability of spacesuits using a standard CO₂ sampling protocol. This study established the methodology for determining the partial pressure of inspired CO₂ (PIco₂) in a pressurized spacesuit. We applied the methodology to characterize PIco₂ for the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU).METHODS: We suggested an automated and mathematical algorithm to find the end-tidal CO₂ and the end of inspiration. We provided objective and standardized guidelines to identify acceptable breath traces, which are essential to accurate and reproducible calculation of the in-suit inhaled and exhaled partial pressure of CO₂ (Pco₂). The mouth guard-based method for measurement of inhaled and exhaled dry-gas Pco₂ was described. We calculated all individual concentrations of PIco₂ inhaled by 19 healthy subjects classified into 3 fitness groups. The transcutaneous Pco₂ was monitored as a secondary measure to validate washout performance.RESULTS: Mean and standard deviation values for the data collection performance and the CO₂ metrics were presented (e.g., minimum time weighted average Pco₂ at suited workloads of resting, 1000, 2000, and 3000 (BTU h1) were 4.75 1.03, 8.09 1.39, 11.39 1.26, and 14.36 1.29 (mmHg s1). All CO₂ metrics had a statistically significant association and all positive slopes with increasing metabolic rate. No significant differences in CO₂ metrics were found between the three fitness groups.DISCUSSION: A standardized and automated methodology to calculate PIco₂ exposure level is presented and applied to characterize CO₂ washout in the EMU. The EMU has been operated successfully in over 400 extravehicular activities (EVAs) and is considered to provide acceptable CO₂ washout performance. Results provide a basis for establishing verifiable Pco₂ requirements for current and future EVA spacesuits.Kim KJ, Bekdash OS, Norcross JR, Conkin J, Garbino A, Fricker J, Young M, Abercromby AFJ. The partial pressure of inspired carbon dioxide exposure levels in the extravehicular mobility unit. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(12):923931.

A Commercial Extravehicular Activity Space Suit

Extravehicular activity (EVA) space suits are complex, expensive, and difficult to operate and manage. However, EVA is all but required for any human spaceflight operation in orbit or beyond. Final...

Raman characterization of terrestrial analogs from the AMADEE‐18 astronaut simulated mission using the ExoMars RLS simulator: Implications for Mars

AbstractBetween February 1 and February 28, 2018, the Austrian Space Forum, in cooperation with research teams from 25 nations, conducted the AMADEE‐18 mission—a human‐robotic Mars expedition simulation in the Dhofar region in the Sultanate of Oman. As a part of the AMADEE‐18 simulated Mars human exploration mission, the Remote Science Support team investigated the Dhofar area (Oman) to qualify it as a potential Mars analog site. The motivation of this research was to study and register selected samples collected by the analog astronauts during the AMADEE‐18 mission with the European Space Agency (ESA) ExoMars Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) simulator, compare the results with standard laboratory measurements, and establish the implication of the results to the future ESA ExoMars mission. The Raman measurements identified minerals such as carbonates (calcite and dolomite), feldspar and plagioclase (albite, anorthite, orthoclase, and sanidine), Fe‐oxides (goethite, hematite, and magnetite), and Ti‐oxide (anatase), each relevant to planetary exploration. As we have presented here, Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for detecting the presence of organic molecules, particularly by analyzing the principal vibration of CC and CH bonds. It has also been shown that portable Raman spectroscopy is a relevant tool for in situ field studies such as those conducted during extra‐vehicular activities (EVA) in simulated missions like the AMADEE‐18 and the future AMADEE‐2020 campaign.

Evaluating Lumbar Shape Deformation With Fabric Strain Sensors

To better study human motion inside the space suit and suit-related contact, a multifactor statistical model was developed to predict torso body shape changes and lumbar motion during suited movement by using fabric strain sensors that are placed on the body. Physical interactions within pressurized space suits can pose an injury risk for astronauts during extravehicular activity (EVA). In particular, poor suit fit can result in an injury due to reduced performance capabilities and excessive body contact within the suit during movement. A wearable solution is needed to measure body motion inside the space suit. An array of flexible strain sensors was attached to the body of 12 male study participants. The participants performed specific static lumbar postures while 3D body scans and sensor measurements were collected. A model was created to predict the body shape as a function of sensor signal and the accuracy was evaluated using holdout cross-validation. Predictions from the torso shape model had an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.02 cm. Subtle soft tissue deformations such as skin folding and bulges were accurately replicated in the shape prediction. Differences in posture type did not affect the prediction error. This method provides a useful tool for suited testing and the information gained will drive the development of injury countermeasures and improve suit fit assessments. In addition to space suit design applications, this technique can provide a lightweight and wearable system to perform ergonomic evaluations in field assessments.

International space station spacecraft charging hazards: Hazard identification, management, and control methodologies, with possible applications to human spaceflight beyond LEO

In this paper, we present an overview of how the International Space Station (ISS) safety engineering methodology directed to controlling extravehicular activity (EVA) crew electrical shock hazards, caused by ISS spacecraft charging, has evolved over the past 25+ years. Long-term measurements of ISS charging severity and frequency-of-occurrence, combined with detailed probabilistic analysis of EVA electric shock-circuit completion, led to a change in hazard control methodology. The requirement for two-fault tolerant EVA shock hazard control during all EVAs was replaced with a less operationally burdensome and risky EVA shock hazard detection and warning process. The applicability of event probability-based detection-and-warning processes to human spaceflight charging hazard control beyond low-earth orbit (LEO) is also considered.

Dynamics modeling and attitude stabilization control of a multiarmed space robot for on-orbit servicing

With the number of large-scale facilities, malfunctioning spacecraft, and debris expected to increase in space, on-orbit servicing, including assembly, monitoring, maintenance, refueling and deorbiting, has become a major concern in space missions. Space robots can efficiently cope with a large number of on-orbit servicing missions while avoiding the high risks and reducing costs of extravehicular activity. The challenges of space robots with multiple arms include the complex dynamics and the coupling between the floating base and the end-effector. To handle these problems, a dynamics model with topological structure is firstly established for a four-arm space robot based on the kinematic chain symbolic calculus system and Axis-Invariants, which have the benefits of iterative structure and can avoid complex derivation of traditional dynamics modeling methods. Then, an attitude stabilization strategy consisting of improved nonlinear model predictive control and a hybrid actuator is implemented to handle the disturbance generated by the manipulation of multiple robot arms. The hybrid actuator can provide accurate control torque while simultaneously avoiding the singularity and saturation of the control moment gyro and reaction wheel, respectively. Finally, a scenario of space debris recycling is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed modeling and control strategy for on-orbit servicing missions with multiarmed space robots.

Radiation Dose During Relativistic Electron Precipitation Events at the International Space Station

AbstractWe provide a quantitative estimate of the radiation dose during relativistic electron precipitation (REP) events at the International Space Station (ISS). To this goal, we take advantage of the data collected by the CALorimetric Electron Telescope, the Monitor of All‐sky X‐ray Image, and the Space Environment Data Acquisition equipment‐Attached Payload. The three ISS detectors offer complementary REP observations, including energy spectra and flux directional information, during a period of approximately 2.5 years, from November 2015 to March 2018. We have identified 762 REP events during this period from which we obtain the distribution of radiation dose, relevant to extravehicular activities outside the ISS.

Advanced Materials for Future Lunar Extravehicular Activity Space Suit

AbstractThis review focuses on advanced materials already used and suitable for application in (future) lunar extravehicular activity space suits. A historical and current literature/market survey is presented. Different functional layers of an astronaut garment are defined with emphasis on the external layers subjected to abrasive action of lunar regolith and degradation via exposure to space radiation/vacuum environment. Requirements are defined that would need to be fulfilled by these layers and suitable materials candidates are reviewed based on their key properties, including mechanical durability. Smart materials, combining additional functionalities, such as garment health monitoring, are also considered. The lead topic is the subject of an ongoing ESA‐funded research activity.

Mission enhancing capabilities for science-driven exploration extravehicular activity derived from the NASA BASALT research program

The NASA-funded Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains (BASALT) program is investigating candidate Mars extravehicular activity (EVA) concepts of operations and capabilities through science-driven terrestrial fieldwork under Mars-mission operational constraints. The third BASALT field test consisted of ten simulated EVAs in the Kilauea Caldera and Kilauea Iki regions of Hawai’i in November 2017. Each EVA included two extravehicular (EV) crewmembers completing real (non-simulated) geobiochemical science objectives (e.g., collecting detailed imagery and scientific instrument data and extracting samples of basalt for further laboratory investigations), two intravehicular crewmembers who supported the EV crew in real-time, and a Mission Support Center comprised of remote scientists and operators who provided scientific expertise during the EVAs across Mars-relevant communication latencies. Throughout this field test, a series of new capabilities, including high-resolution panoramic imagery, mobile automated light detection and ranging data, immersive mixed-reality terrain models, and augmented-reality field systems for terrain navigation and annotation, were incorporated and evaluated during the mission simulation for their ability to enable and enhance science. The value provided by these capabilities was assessed using a variety of objective and subjective technology impact metrics, including detailed EVA task timing data, space-to-ground interaction data, and heritage subjective assessments of capability assessment (a measure of the potential for mission enhancement), simulation quality (a measure of simulation fidelity), and acceptability (including the specification of desired, warranted, and required improvements). In general, these capabilities were rated at least moderately enhancing for future planetary EVA, meaning that they are likely to moderately enhance one of more aspects of EVA or significantly enhance EVA on rare occasions. A number of specific improvements to these capabilities were identified, which warrant further development and testing, and several complementary future studies are proposed. Together, these data provide critical knowledge to help meet design challenges associated with future science-driven planetary EVA. While this paper specifically focuses on applications for future human spaceflight exploration, many of the results and lessons learned are also applicable to present-day terrestrial scientific fieldwork.

Geologic context and potential EVA targets at the lunar south pole

The lunar south pole is being targeted for exploration, in part, because it contains topographical high points with >50% illumination needed for solar power. Additionally, the south pole is being targeted because it contains permanently shadowed regions (PSRs), which may sequester resources in the form of volatile materials. Geologically, the pole lies on the rim of ~21 km diameter Shackleton crater, which is located on the topographic rim of the ~2,500 km diameter South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, the largest and oldest basin on the Moon. To prepare for future missions, we conducted a photogeologic analysis of the walls, rim, and ejecta of Shackleton crater. Two types of underlying (target) terrains were identified. The impact penetrated and exposed (1) purest anorthosite (PAN) representative of primitive crust and (2) a layered terrain that is likely a series of impact ejecta deposits that stratigraphically cover the crystalline crust. Crew performing extravehicular activities (EVAs) near the south pole may be able to sample PAN; impact melt from Shackleton, SPA, and other pre-Nectarian and Nectarian-age impacts; and polar regolith, including material from small PSRs that may contain volatile components. The topography in the south polar region is dramatic, often producing slopes in excess of 15°, creating mobility challenges for astronauts during EVAs.

An approach to mixed-fidelity system simulation of extravehicular activities

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently developing the next generation of spacesuits for use in future exploration missions. This effort, referred to as the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU), has been underway since 2015 with the goal of demonstrating the new technologies during a mission to the International Space Station (ISS).Due to the complexity of the xEMU system, and particularly its portable life support system (PLSS), computer simulations are heavily relied on in the development process, from dynamic loads analysis to software verification. The models of the physical systems that are currently being used for system-level simulations are mostly empirical, where the underlying formulas are mathematical fits to test or simulation data. An advantage of this approach is the fact that these models are very performant and can be used in real-time applications such as user interface testing and operator training.The research presented in this paper describes a different approach to modeling and simulation. A simulation tool focused on life support systems for human spaceflight in general and PLSSs in particular has been under development at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) since 2006. The spacesuit specific variant of this tool is called The Virtual Spacesuit (V-SUIT) and is now being utilized in the current spacesuit development process at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). In contrast to the previously mentioned empirical models, V-SUIT uses a first-principles-based, bottom up modeling approach, where basic physical, chemical or biological effects are modeled at the lowest level and the component and system models are created using these fundamental building blocks. This enables the simulation to account for effects, and especially off-nominal situations, that may not be within the range of validity of the empirical models.This paper presents the structure of and the rationale behind V-SUIT itself as well as a status report on the ongoing effort to integrate it with the existing simulation systems in use at JSC, which is based on Trick/GUNNS. As a proof of concept, a single component model from V-SUIT, that of the spacesuit water membrane evaporator (SWME), has been integrated with NASA's simulation tool.Results include comparisons of the performance of the two simulation systems and a description of challenges that were encountered during implementation. The paper closes with an outlook towards the future developments that are planned for V-SUIT within the xEMU development program.

Lunar analogue facilities development at EAC: the LUNA project

In view of the future missions to the Moon and in the framework of the Moon Village vision, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) are increasingly focused on activities leading from LEO human spaceflight to planetary exploration. A new era of coordinated human and robotic exploration is expected to begin with the construction of the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway (LOP-G), which will lead to a return of humans to the lunar surface.In this context, the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) and DLR, co-situated in Cologne, Germany, are preparing themselves for future human exploration by conducting Earth-based analogue and preparatory activities. We focus herein on LUNA a novel lunar analogue facility that is currently under development at the Cologne campus which will complement existing campus analogue facilities such as Environmental Habitat (:envihab) and the Neutral Buoyancy Facility (NBF). LUNA includes an artificial lunar analogue facility that consists of a hall-type structure containing a regolith testbed. A large volume regolith simulant, EAC-1, will be used to recreate facsimile of a lunar terrain, while illumination conditions can be varied to recreate different Moon conditions. Adjacent to the LUNA hall is the habitation module and Future Lunar EXploration Habitat (FLEXHab), hosting up to 4 crewmembers for 1-day missions, and providing direct access to LUNA. It is planned that the FLEXHab will utilize the energy module, a stand-alone power system built around hydrogen technology (fuel cells, electrolyzer, batteries and photovoltaics) for its energy supply. Strong synergies can be built with current analogue facilities at DLR :envihab and the NBF. For example, the DLR :envihab provides an infrastructure in which astronauts can sleep, eat and work under environmentally controlled conditions, even possibly under isolation. Within the LUNA testbed, specific mission scenarios can be simulated for astronaut training, including testing of geological/seismic regolith characterization techniques, In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technologies, development of mining methods, rock formation mapping and storage, methods of biological and chemical analysis of soil samples, telerobotics, and Extravehicular Activity (EVA) preparation.The LUNA facility will be a flexible, evolvable, and unique exploration enabling asset to address the hurdles posed by future human and robotic exploration. Moreover, external partners such as research centres, universities, and private companies will be welcome to use the facilities and propose their own experiments on a low barrier for entry basis. The full operational capability of LUNA (hall, FLEXHab and energy module) is expected for 2021.

Spatial Updating Depends on Gravity.

As we move through an environment the positions of surrounding objects relative to our body constantly change. Maintaining orientation requires spatial updating, the continuous monitoring of self-motion cues to update external locations. This ability critically depends on the integration of visual, proprioceptive, kinesthetic, and vestibular information. During weightlessness gravity no longer acts as an essential reference, creating a discrepancy between vestibular, visual and sensorimotor signals. Here, we explore the effects of repeated bouts of microgravity and hypergravity on spatial updating performance during parabolic flight. Ten healthy participants (four women, six men) took part in a parabolic flight campaign that comprised a total of 31 parabolas. Each parabola created about 20–25 s of 0 g, preceded and followed by about 20 s of hypergravity (1.8 g). Participants performed a visual-spatial updating task in seated position during 15 parabolas. The task included two updating conditions simulating virtual forward movements of different lengths (short and long), and a static condition with no movement that served as a control condition. Two trials were performed during each phase of the parabola, i.e., at 1 g before the start of the parabola, at 1.8 g during the acceleration phase of the parabola, and during 0 g. Our data demonstrate that 0 g and 1.8 g impaired pointing performance for long updating trials as indicated by increased variability of pointing errors compared to 1 g. In contrast, we found no support for any changes for short updating and static conditions, suggesting that a certain degree of task complexity is required to affect pointing errors. These findings are important for operational requirements during spaceflight because spatial updating is pivotal for navigation when vision is poor or unreliable and objects go out of sight, for example during extravehicular activities in space or the exploration of unfamiliar environments. Future studies should compare the effects on spatial updating during seated and free-floating conditions, and determine at which g-threshold decrements in spatial updating performance emerge.

Changes in Motor Function in Response to Living in an Extreme Underwater Saturation Environment under High Stress and Increased Workload

Understanding changes in individual motor function and how it relates to workload, personality types, and shared knowledge is vital to the success of team‐based missions. Such changes may present a challenge in long duration spaceflight and other missions in extreme environments. Therefore, we studied grip strength, dexterity, stress level, task load and the personality types of participants living in an extreme environment during the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operation (NEEMO) 23 in June 2019. The Aquarius Reef Base is home to NEEMO missions and is located at 20 m (66 ft) with 2.6 atm (air) pressure inside the habitat, where CO2 levels are often elevated similar to the International Space Station.Motor strength was assessed using a grip dynanometer and dexterity was measured using a pegboard. The tests were performed by 6 subjects (2 males, 4 females) 1 day pre‐mission, during the mission (grip test twice) and 1 day post‐mission. Dexterity test was also performed at the beginning and at end of Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). NASA TLX tests measuring mental, physical, temporal effort, performance, general effort and frustration, were assessed immediately after returning from EVAs. To monitor changes in stress level, Short Stress State Questionnaire (SSSQ) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD7) scores were collected. Measures of social cognition, including Reading the Mind in Eyes and Big 5 personality tests, were performed once before the mission.There was a trend of decreased grip strength at the end of mission and post‐mission, compared to baseline and beginning of mission. The dexterity scores at the beginning of EVAs were significantly higher, compared to before and during mission. This suggests that tasks with fine motor function can be affected by context such as in‐water performance. At the end of the EVAs, the dexterity score was significantly higher compared to before mission and during mission as well. There was a trend of worse performance on the dexterity test at the end of EVA, compared to the beginning of EVA. A trend of increasing GAD7 scores at half time of the mission and post‐mission could be observed. There were several differences in NASA TLX scores between different subjects.These results indicate that strength and dexterity was influenced during EVAs. This may have been due to both physical and psychological stress during the extreme underwater mission in a saturation environment. Further examination of these trends is recommended.Support or Funding InformationKetone Technologies LLC provided partial funding for the study. SIFT provided partial salary for CA.

Changes in Individual and Team Cognition in High Stress Extreme Underwater Saturation Environment Under Intense Workload

The objective of this study was to measure potential changes in cognitive function in response to living in an extreme underwater habitat. Chronic high stress and intense workload can affect individual and team cognition. As such, associated variables were monitored during the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operation (NEEMO) 23 mission at the Aquarius reef Base in June 2019.Individual cognition was measured on 6 subjects (2 males, 4 females) with 8 tests using a battery of cognitive assessments (Joggle Research platform), 1 day pre‐mission, at mid‐point of the mission and 1 day post‐mission. In addition, 4 cognitive tests were applied on 5 subjects (2 males, 3 females) at the beginning of Extravehicular Activities (EVA) and at the end of EVAs that lasted for ~3 to 5 hours. To monitor changes in stress level, Short Stress State Questionnaire (SSSQ) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD7) scores were collected. Effects of workload on performance were measured by NASA Task Load Index (TLX). Changes in team cognition was monitored using an assessment of cognitive process measures.There was a trend of increasing performance in individual cognition in‐habitat and post mission, compared to baseline. The NBACK test, a measure of working memory, significantly improved during the mission, compared to pre‐mission and it further improved post‐mission. The psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) results were non‐significantly lower during the mission. The Motor Praxis Task (MPT) scores decreased at the beginning of EVA and further decreased by the end of EVA. The end of EVA MPT performance was significantly lower, compared to baseline, in habitat, and post mission measurements, suggesting that long duration extravehicular activity had a significant negative effect on sensory motor speed. BART scores were significantly lower at the beginning of EVA, compared to baseline, suggesting that risk taking decreased with the start of the EVA. The PVT score was significantly lower at the end of EVA, compared to baseline, in habitat, and the beginning of EVA, suggesting that the long duration EVAs had negative effect on the ability to quickly respond to the sudden appearance of a stimuli. A trend of increasing GAD7 scores at half time of the mission and post‐mission could be observed. There were differences in NASA TLX and team cognition scores between subjects and at different time points.The present results suggests that sub‐components individual and team cognitive functions may be differently affected during this extreme environment mission. Further research is needed to isolate which cognitive functions might be altered and how these may be correlated with stress level and workload to affect mission success.Support or Funding InformationKetone Technologies LLC provided partial funding for the experiments. SIFT provided partial salary for CA.

UV-induced modification of PEDOT:PSS-based nanocomposite films investigated by Raman microscopy mapping

Nanocomposite films with high electrical conductivity and UV sensitivity were prepared by integration of DNA-modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) with a polymer matrix made of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythio-phene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The exceptional electrical properties and mechanical strength of graphene were used to enhance the PEDOT:PSS properties and stability, whereas DNA molecules are sensitive to UV and have an exfoliating effect on the GNPs in aqueous solution. GNP-DNA/PEDOT:PSS films were exposed to radiation in the energetic UV-C band (254 nm), and their properties investigated before and after irradiation. Several techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, optical contact angle, electrical impedance and Raman spectroscopies, were used to characterize the nanocomposites and to investigate their sensitivity to UV. In particular, Raman microscopy mapping was used to analyze the chemical structure of the films and its modification at molecular level upon exposure to UV-C radiation. Results of these investigations are useful for the application of the GNP-DNA/PEDOT:PSS films in ultra-small and lightweight UV sensor devices for use in space environment, for example during extravehicular activities (EVA), or for industrial settings on Earth that are characterized by high levels of UV-C radiation.