Event Title
xEMU Space Suit Quick Release and Catch System
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Faculty Mentor
Dr. Aws AlShalash
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Date of Publication
2021
Abstract
Astronauts exploring the lunar surface will perform a series of Extravehicular Activities (EVA), which require repeated access to various tools and equipment installed on the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU). Carrying tools on the xEMU will improve spacewalk efficiency during end-to-end sampling missions. Tools must interface with the spacesuit through a manually operated and lunar dust-tolerant mechanical subsystem. Therefore, two interlocking components with an integrated double roller catch are designed out of Teflon, Aluminum 6061, and AISI-316L steel to facilitate removal and reattachment of fit-for-purpose tools. Compared to NASA’s previous bayonet probe design, the Vanguard xEMU subsystem safely stows and secures various tools required for lunar surface exploration and provides adequate lunar dust mitigation for proper functionality. The design will be part of several student-inspired solutions to NASA’s present-day challenges for the upcoming 2024 Artemis Mission to the Moon and beyond to Mars.
Keywords
NASA, Lunar Surface
Persistent Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/3043
Mejia_Poster
xEMU Space Suit Quick Release and Catch System
Astronauts exploring the lunar surface will perform a series of Extravehicular Activities (EVA), which require repeated access to various tools and equipment installed on the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU). Carrying tools on the xEMU will improve spacewalk efficiency during end-to-end sampling missions. Tools must interface with the spacesuit through a manually operated and lunar dust-tolerant mechanical subsystem. Therefore, two interlocking components with an integrated double roller catch are designed out of Teflon, Aluminum 6061, and AISI-316L steel to facilitate removal and reattachment of fit-for-purpose tools. Compared to NASA’s previous bayonet probe design, the Vanguard xEMU subsystem safely stows and secures various tools required for lunar surface exploration and provides adequate lunar dust mitigation for proper functionality. The design will be part of several student-inspired solutions to NASA’s present-day challenges for the upcoming 2024 Artemis Mission to the Moon and beyond to Mars.