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.
S70-19764 (18 Sept. 1970) — Astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr. (right), commander, and Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot, are suited up for a manned altitude run in the Apollo 14 Lunar Module. Photo Credit: NASA.
A big focus of the lab is the anthropometric aspects of the suit, which involves determining human dimensions that directly affect the form, fit, and function of the suit. We want to find the relationship between these human dimensions and suit dimensions so that a custom-made suit can be manufactured for any one person without compromising optimum mobility and ergonomics. Currently, Dillon is creating our first point of concept by reconstructing the A7LB spacesuit used to venture the lunar surface for Apollo 14-17 missions.
AHSL has a plethora of useful tools at its disposal to achieve these goals. Two full-body scanners are used to develop virtual 3D models of occupants for an EVA suit. Dimensional analysis of the models is then created, and advanced software used in the fashion industry allows us to import the 3D model as a mannequin on which we can simulate garments that we design. The dimensional data from the model and relevant dimensions of the garments will be used to develop a custom suit that perfectly fits the wearer.