Download or read book Space Suit Simulator for Partial Gravity Extravehicular Activity Experimentation and Training written by Andrea Lynn Gilkey and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 121 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During human space exploration, mobility is extremely limited when working inside a pressurized space suit. Astronauts perform extensive training on Earth to become accustomed to space suit-imposed high joint torques and limited range of motion. Space suit experimentation is difficult for researchers because the current suit is expensive, bulky, heavy, hard to don/doff, and in very short supply. The main objective of this thesis is to develop a wearable space suit simulator (S3) exoskeleton that can mimic the joint torques and reduced mobility of various pressurized space suit designs. A space suit simulator exoskeleton is a novel method for simulating joint torques while offering a lightweight, portable, and easily accessible design. This thesis describes early work towards development of the S3 exoskeleton. A space suit joint database was developed, which includes joint torque and angle range of motion information for multiple pressurized space suits, degrees of freedom, and pressurization levels. The space suit joint database was used to set the joint torque and angle range of motion requirements for the S3 exoskeleton. Additionally, various actuators that have been used in previous exoskeleton designs were compared according to weight and bulk characteristics to select actuators for the S3 exoskeleton. The conceptual designs of the S3 knee and hip components are presented. Finally, the S3 computer simulation is described, which allows users to input the geometries and locations of the S3 exoskeleton components. The computer simulation outputs the space suit hysteresis curves to compare S3 joint design performance to actual space suit performance. Feasible design solutions for the S3 exoskeleton joints can be determined from designs that minimize the root-mean-square error of the hysteresis curves.

Download or read book Characterization of Partial gravity Analog Environments for Extravehicular Activity Suit Testing written by Jason R. Norcross and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 45 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report focuses on: characterizing the partial-gravity analog environments used during integrated suit tests conducted between 2006 and 2009; how subjects performed in the two testing environments; how the test environments compared with each other; how strengths and weaknesses associated with each environment affected the quality of partial-gravity simulation for human performance testing; and general lessons learned on usability and features of each environment. The primary partial-gravity analog environments discussed are: the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility partial gravity simulator (POGO), which uses a vertically oriented, manually adjusted, servo-controlled pneumatic cylinder to create a selectable offload of a subject and allows for up to 2.4 m vertical travel; and the Reduced Gravity Office C-9 parabolic-flight aircraft, which allows unrestrained movement in all 6 degrees-of-freedom and provides a true lunar-gravity kinetic environment with all aspects of subject and suit off-loaded to the same partial-gravity level.

Download or read book Space Countermeasures and Medicine Implementation into Earth medicine and Rehabilitation written by Elena S. Tomilovskaya and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2023-09-08 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The effects of microgravity on the human organism have been studied for over 60 years. The experience of short- and long-term space flights revealed alterations in multiple physiological systems either in the course of the flight or afterward. Some of these changes represent serious risks for crew health and functional capacity. This fact served as the trigger for multiple countries with space program participants to develop spaceflight countermeasures and medical support systems. These activities are intended to counteract space flight effects such as axial and support unloading, muscle disuse, monotony, fluid redistribution, sensory deficit, etc. Some countermeasures have been adapted from Earth medicine and sports, while others have been created especially for space flights. Many of the observed space flight effects have similarities to conditions seen on Earth, such as: decrease of motor activity in aging people, immobilized patients, and professions associated with forced physical inactivity and isolation. Thus, many space countermeasures and medical support systems can be applied in Earth medicine and rehabilitation. For example, countermeasures like loading suits, lower body negative pressure suits, electromyostimulation of various regimens, water-salt supplements, vestibular training means, etc. have been used in Earth medicine and sports conditioning over the last 20 years.

Download or read book Characterization of Partial gravity Analog Environments for Extravehicular Activity Suit Testing written by and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 45 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Engineering a Robotic Exoskeleton for Space Suit Simulation written by Forrest Edward Meyen and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Novel methods for assessing space suit designs and human performance capabilities are needed as NASA prepares for manned missions beyond low Earth orbit. Current human performance tests and training are conducted in space suits that are heavy and expensive, characteristics that constrain possible testing environments and reduce suit availability to researchers. Space suit mock-ups used in planetary exploration simulations are light and relatively inexpensive but do not accurately simulate the joint stiffness inherent to space suits, a key factor impacting extravehicular activity performance. The MIT Man-Vehicle Laboratory and Aurora Flight Sciences designed and built an actively controlled exoskeleton for space suit simulation called the Extravehicular Activity Space Suit Simulator (EVA S3), which can be programmed to simulate the joint torques recorded from various space suits. The goal of this research is to create a simulator that is lighter and cheaper than a traditional space suit so that it can be used in a variety of testing and training environments. The EVA S3 employs pneumatic actuators to vary joint stiffness and a pre-programmed controller to allow the experimenter to apply torque profiles to mimic various space suit designs in the field. The focus of this thesis is the design, construction, integration, and testing of the hip joint and backpack for the EVA S3. The final designs of the other joints are also described. Results from robotic testing to validate the mechanical design and control system are discussed along with the planned improvements for the next iteration of the EVA S3. The fianl EVA S3 consists of a metal and composite exoskeleton frame with pneumatic actuators that control the resistance of motion in the ankle, knee, and hip joints, and an upper body brace that resists shoulder and elbow motions with passive spring elements. The EVA S3 is lighter (26 kg excluding the tethered components) and less expensive (under $600,000 including research, design, and personnel) than a modem space suit. Design adjustments and control system improvements are still needed to achieve a desired space suit torque simulation fidelity within 10% root-mean-square error.

Download or read book NASA Technical Memorandum written by and published by . This book was released on 1976 with total page 488 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Extravehicular Mobility Unit Training Suit Symptom Study Report written by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-05-31 with total page 38 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this study was to characterize the symptoms and injuries experienced by NASA astronauts during extravehicular activity (space walk) spacesuit training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at Ellington Field, Houston, Texas. We identified the frequency and incidence rates of symptoms by each general body location and characterized mechanisms of injury and effective countermeasures. Based on these findings a comprehensive list of recommendations was made to improve training, test preparation, and current spacesuit components, and to design the next -generation spacesuit. At completion of each test event a comprehensive questionnaire was produced that documented suit symptom comments, identified mechanisms of injury, and recommended countermeasures. As we completed our study we found that most extravehicular mobility unit suit symptoms were mild, self-limited, and controlled by available countermeasures. Some symptoms represented the potential for significant injury with short- and long-term consequences regarding astronaut health and interference with mission objectives. The location of symptoms and injuries that were most clinically significant was in the hands, shoulders, and feet. Correction of suit symptoms issues will require a multidisciplinary approach to improve prevention, early medical intervention, astronaut training, test planning, and suit engineering.Strauss, SamuelJohnson Space CenterEXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY; SPACE SUITS; SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS; EXTRAVEHICULAR MOBILITY UNITS; INJURIES; ASTRONAUT TRAINING; COUNTERMEASURES; EDUCATION; PREVENTION

Download or read book IAF91 531 IAF91 590 written by and published by . This book was released on 1988 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Diary of an Apprentice Astronaut written by Samantha Cristoforetti and published by The Experiment. This book was released on 2021-08-31 with total page 411 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Experience the wonders of life in orbit with a female astronaut's incredible memoir, revealing what it really takes to reach the stars"--

Download or read book NASA Strategic Plan written by United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Partial Gravity Simulation Using a Pneumatic Actuator with Closed Loop Mechanical Amplification written by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-07-09 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: To support future manned missions to the surface of the Moon and Mars or missions requiring manipulation of payloads and locomotion in space, a training device is required to simulate the conditions of both partial and microgravity as compared to the gravity on Earth. The focus of this paper is to present the development, construction, and testing of a partial gravity simulator which uses a pneumatic actuator with closed loop mechanical amplification. Results of the testing show that this type of simulator maintains a constant partial gravity simulation with a variation of the simulated body force between 2.2 percent and 10 percent, depending on the type of locomotion inputs. The data collected using the simulator show that mean stride frequencies at running speeds at lunar and Martian gravity levels are 12 percent less than those at Earth gravity. The data also show that foot/ground reaction forces at lunar and Martian gravity are, respectively, 62 percent and 51 percent less than those on Earth. Ray, David M. Johnson Space Center ...

Download or read book Space Simulation Conference written by and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Understanding Human space Suit Interaction to Prevent Injury During Extravehicular Activity written by Allison Paige Anderson and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Extravehicular Activity (EVA) is a critical component of human spaceflight. Working in gas-pressurized space suits, however, causes fatigue, unnecessary energy expenditure, and injury. The problem of injury is particularly acute and is exacerbated with the additional hours astronauts spend training inside the suit, especially underwater in NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). Although space suit performance and improved system designs have been investigated, relatively little is known about how the astronaut moves and interacts with the space suit, what factors lead to injury, and how to prevent injury. At the outset of this research effort there were no technologies suitable to evaluate human movement and contact within the space suit during dynamic movements. The objective of this thesis is to help understand human-space suit interaction and design hardware to assess and ultimately mitigate injury. This is accomplished through two specific aims. The first specific aim is to use data mining techniques to uncover trends in space suit configuration, training environment, and anthropometry, which may lead to injury. Two groups of subjects were analyzed: those whose reported shoulder injury incidence is specifically attributable to the NBL or working in the space suit, and those whose shoulder problems began in active duty, meaning working in the suit could have been a contributing factor. The first statistical model correctly identifies 39% of injured subjects, while the second model correctly identifies 68% of injured subjects. For both models, percent of training incidence in the space suit planar hard upper torso (HUT) was the most important predictor variable. Frequency of training and recovery between training were also identified as significant metrics. These variables can be monitored and modified operationally to reduce the impacts on the astronaut's health. Several anthropometric dimensions were also found to have explanatory power for injury. Expanded chest depth was included in both models, while bi-deltoid breadth was relevant for identifying injured NBL subjects and shoulder circumference was relevant for identifying injured Active subjects. These dimensions may be targeted as particularly important to accommodate in future designs of the HUT or any advanced concept space suits. Finally, for the NBL subjects, previous record of injury was found to be an important factor. Further descriptive analysis implies that analyzing the HUT style and size together may be critical for future detailed studies on fit and accommodation. These results quantitatively elucidate the underlying mechanisms of shoulder injuries for astronauts working inside the space suit. The second specific aim is to develop a wearable pressure sensing capability to quantitatively measure areas on the body's surface that the space suit impacts during normal EVA movement. A low-pressure sensing system was designed and constructed for the upper body during dynamic movements inside the space suit environment. Sensors were designed to measure between 5-60 kPa with approximately 1 kPa resolution. The sensors are constructed from hyper-elastic silicone imbedded with a microfluidic channel. The channel is filled with liquid conductive metal, galinstan, such that an applied pressure corresponds to a change in resistance of the liquid metal. The system of 12 pressure sensors accommodates anthropometry from a 50th percentile female to a 95th percentile male upper body dimensions with near shirt-sleeve mobility. The wiring was intentionally designed to achieve the best trade between flexibility, resistance, and stretch ability, but ultimately was the greatest limitation in system durability. The electronics architecture utilizes onboard data storage with more than 4 hours of use. The entire system was designed with extreme environments in mind, where considerations of shock, battery hazards, and material properties in mixed gas, pressurized atmosphere were minimized to ensure user safety. The pressure sensing system was used in a human subject experiment to characterize human-suit interaction. Three experienced subjects were asked to perform a series of 3 isolated joint movements and 2 functional tasks, all focused on upper body movement. Movements were repeated 12 times each and pressure responses were evaluated both by quantifying peak pressure and full profile responses. Comparing subjective feedback to the quantitative pressure data allows a sense of the variability of movement and minor changes in loading on the body while performing suited motions. Users generally felt they were consistent for all movements. However, using a nonparametric H-test, 53% of movements were found to be biomechanically inconsistent (p

Download or read book IDEEA One written by and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 988 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Research and Technology Program Digest written by United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and published by . This book was released on with total page 792 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2012-01-30 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: More than four decades have passed since a human first set foot on the Moon. Great strides have been made in our understanding of what is required to support an enduring human presence in space, as evidenced by progressively more advanced orbiting human outposts, culminating in the current International Space Station (ISS). However, of the more than 500 humans who have so far ventured into space, most have gone only as far as near-Earth orbit, and none have traveled beyond the orbit of the Moon. Achieving humans' further progress into the solar system had proved far more difficult than imagined in the heady days of the Apollo missions, but the potential rewards remain substantial. During its more than 50-year history, NASA's success in human space exploration has depended on the agency's ability to effectively address a wide range of biomedical, engineering, physical science, and related obstacles-an achievement made possible by NASA's strong and productive commitments to life and physical sciences research for human space exploration, and by its use of human space exploration infrastructures for scientific discovery. The Committee for the Decadal Survey of Biological and Physical Sciences acknowledges the many achievements of NASA, which are all the more remarkable given budgetary challenges and changing directions within the agency. In the past decade, however, a consequence of those challenges has been a life and physical sciences research program that was dramatically reduced in both scale and scope, with the result that the agency is poorly positioned to take full advantage of the scientific opportunities offered by the now fully equipped and staffed ISS laboratory, or to effectively pursue the scientific research needed to support the development of advanced human exploration capabilities. Although its review has left it deeply concerned about the current state of NASA's life and physical sciences research, the Committee for the Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space is nevertheless convinced that a focused science and engineering program can achieve successes that will bring the space community, the U.S. public, and policymakers to an understanding that we are ready for the next significant phase of human space exploration. The goal of this report is to lay out steps and develop a forward-looking portfolio of research that will provide the basis for recapturing the excitement and value of human spaceflight-thereby enabling the U.S. space program to deliver on new exploration initiatives that serve the nation, excite the public, and place the United States again at the forefront of space exploration for the global good.

Download or read book Research and Technology Program Digest Flash Index written by and published by . This book was released on 1967 with total page 794 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: