Through the Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory (AHSL), Dillon Hall is developing the next Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suit that can be worn in the vacuum of space and on the lunar and Martian surfaces. It is a critical technological gap in NASA’s journey to Mars. AHSL plans to be a leading contributor for the next-generation EVA suit.
Research
At the Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory (AHSL), there are a number of research projects that occur, focusing on human space systems. AHSL is researching, in particular, how EVA suits are created with the goal of prototyping our own iteration of EVA suits.
Thermal Modeling of LCVG
The Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) is the innermost layer of an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) suit. The LCVG’s purpose is to provide the needed cooling for astronauts when exposed to the extreme environments of outer space. The main cooling is achieved through the circulation of cold water through Tygon tubing woven into the fabric of the garment. Gas is also vented through the garment to aid in cooling and sweat evaporation. The cooling distribution is designed for sufficient cooling on Earth.
EVA Glove
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) is a critical component to human spaceflight. From assembly to maintenance to science, there are many tasks in human spaceflight that require the fine motor control of a human outside of the spaceship or habitat. EVA is made possible through spacesuits, which act as form-fitting space habitats. One of the most critical components of the suit is the gloves.
Microgravity and Partial Gravity Fluids Research
Fluid systems play a large role in life support, environmental controls, and thermal control systems. While there are databases and models of fluid flows in microgravity, there is no empirical data, nor models which examine fluids in partial gravity, such as Lunar or Martian gravities. In order to design the next generation of life support systems, the Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory (AHSL) at Texas A&M University plans to investigate fluid physics in variable gravity levels.
[Read more…] about Microgravity and Partial Gravity Fluids Research
Artificial Gravity
The Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory aims to utilize Techshot’s Multi-use Variable-gravity Platform (MVP) system to perform the bubble nucleation experiments. The MVP, is a small centrifuge on board the International Space Station capable of creating artificial gravity up to 2 g on timescales of multiple weeks.
Human Systems Integration
Human Systems Integration looks at how systems are designed in relation to humans and their environment. It can include hardware, software, processes, human roles, and safety optimization. With regards to space, human systems integration is essential to the safety of an astronaut; everything from the International Space Station (ISS) to the Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) suit is made to help astronauts safely survive in outer space. The Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory investigates a variety of space systems such as the EVA suit and the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG).