NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC)
Phase II Award
Amount: $500,000
Innovative Offloading of Astronauts for More Effective Exploration
David Akin
University of Maryland, College Park
No parameter in the design of spacesuits for planetary exploration is more important than ‘weight on the back’- the weight of the suit system which must be supported by the wearer under the gravity of the Moon or Mars. The added weight of the spacesuit garment and portable life support system (PLSS) drives the required exertion level of the wearer, and ultimately sets limitations on EVA duration, distance traveled on foot, and productivity of the exploration mission.
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