Browsing by Author "De Leon, Pablo"
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Item Design for Custom Shaped Spacesuit, and Optimizing the Fit of Spacesuit Hard Upper Torsos(2023 International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2023-07-16) Green, Will; De Leon, Pablo; Rhoades, Jesse; Kim, HanThe next era of human spaceflight will see the return of astronauts to the lunar surface, requiring frequent planetary EVAs by an astronaut corps in diverse body shapes and sizes. Future suits must be designed to accommodate the growing and changing population of astronauts, and provide optimal fit, comfort, and mobility. The torso of the spacesuit is a critical component in determining the fitment and function of a suit system. This paper presents a design framework for generating custom shaped Hard Upper Torsos (HUTs) from a 3-dimensional body scan. In this framework a principal component (PC) analysis was performed on a 3D body scan database of the general population. A set of clusters was statistically identified, each of the which represents a distinct torso shape and size. The computer design of the HUT geometry was manually adjusted for optimal fit for each cluster. The obtained HUT geometries were processed for PC analysis and statistically modelled, so that an arbitrary torso shape can predict a HUT geometry hypothetically yielding an optimal fit. While this technique constituted a custom sizing scheme, a “standard” sizing scheme was additionally built, in which a discrete number of HUT sizes (small, medium, large, etc.) was identified for maximum accommodation of the population. To determine the improvement of fit, 3D printed mockups were fabricated for the standard and the custom shaped HUT, based on the 3D body scan of test volunteers. The perceived fit and comfort was assessed by a structures survey. Mobility was measured by patterns and ranges of the upper extremity motions. The testing and data analysis is currently in progress, and the details will be presented in the full manuscript.Item Evaluation of Candidate Crop Plant Lactuca Sativa in Biologically Enhanced Martian Regolith(51st International Conference on Environmental Systems, 7/10/2022) Russell, Jennifer; Stutte, Gary W.; De Leon, PabloUnder a recent NASA EPSCoR grant, the Department of Space Studies at the University of North Dakota, in collaboration with SyNRGE LLC developed a project to demonstrate the feasibility of biologically processing Martian regolith and inedible biomass through vermicomposting to reduce waste volume, enhance quality of regolith and recycle and replenish nutrients. Eisenia fetida (Red Worms) were fed inedible biomass, consisting of spent growing media, inedible biomass (root balls, leaves, and stems) shredded paper, and other compostable materials, that are produced during simulated planetary missions in the Inflatable Lunar/Mars Habitat (ILMH) analog facility at the University of North Dakota. In situ Martian regolith was simulated by adding Martian Global Simulant (MGS-1) into the E. fetida feedstock where it was consumed and assimilated by the worms. The biocompatibility of bioprocessed Martian simulant on growth of L. sativa were then evaluated using a seedling bioassay system. Lettuce seeds planted on MGS-1 alone germinated but failed to grow. Seeds planted in processed biomass contained from 10 to 25% vermicomposted MGS-1 germinated and grew with no discernable nutritional deficiencies. Fresh weight of the lettuce grown on vermicultured regolith ranged from 70 to 76% of a commercial potting mix containing controlled release fertilizer. These results suggest that vermicomposting of inedible biomass with E. fetida in Martian regolith is a viable technology for use in a closed ecological life support system (CELSS). Eisenia fetida can be maintained in dormant condition, consume a wide range of organic material, and require limited volume to be effective. The optimal environmental setpoints are like that of the crop growth requirements and establishing a self-replenishing population eliminates resupply cost. Although these results are very promising, several factors were identified that need to be understood before vermiculture can be recommended as technique for in situ processing of regolith.Item New Methods of Manufacturing Spacesuits for Deep Space Exploration(50th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 7/12/2021) De Leon, Pablo; Tomovic, Stefan; Green, Will- The Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuit is a complex machine that provides astronauts with a flexible enclosure and life support system allowing them to perform EVAs in space or on planetary surfaces. As humans continue to explore the Solar System, the ability for space fairing organizations to become Earth-autonomous is a necessity, and the need for an Earth-independent spacesuit is unavoidable. With the evolution of additive manufacturing technologies, it may be possible to produce 3D-printed soft goods that can replace the labor-intensive bladders and restraint layers currently in pressure suits. The Human Spaceflight Laboratory (HSFL) at the University of North Dakota has demonstrated the ability to use additive manufacturing to develop various soft spacesuit components. By utilizing flexible filaments in combination with interwoven mesh fabrics for improved durability, the HSFL has been able to produce various soft goods components, a functional elbow mobility joint and a boot/ankle assembly. The components have been successfully tested at nominal spacesuit pressures along with burst tests at higher pressures. Through development and testing of these early prototypes, the HSFL has proved that additive manufacturing can be utilized to fabricate spacesuit elements. The HSFL plans to build upon the advancements discussed in this paper and continue to employ additive manufacturing techniques with the end goal of developing a fully functional 3D-printed pressure garment based on our existing NDX-1 planetary suit architecture.Item Spacesuit Dust Mitigation-Study in Vacuum Settings Using Carbon Nanotube Fibers with Electric Fields(2020 International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2020-07-31) Manyapu, Kavya; Peltz, Leora; De Leon, Pablo; Calle, CarlosEven after 50 years since the first lunar manned missions, lunar exploration has been a significant topic of interest to advance human space exploration. With NASA working towards an eventual return to the lunar surface to set up permanent human outposts, these activities necessitate robust and reusable spacesuits to enable frequent extravehicular activities in the dusty environments of the lunar surface. Dust contamination was shown to be a serious problem during Apollo missions when the powdery dust substantially degraded the performance of spacesuits and other critical equipment. The research presented in this paper designed, developed and tested the Spacesuit Integrated Carbon nanotube Dust Ejection/Removal (SPIcDER) system. SPIcDER generates an electric field that can actively levitate and repel dust particles off the spacesuit outerlayer when energized using a multi-phase AC voltage signal. Carbon nanotube (CNT) flexible fibers, used as electrodes, are embedded within the outerlayer of the spacesuit as they provide the required resilience and flexibility required for spacesuit operations. The system leveraged the Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) developed by NASA for rigid surfaces. SPIcDER applies novel fabrication methods to create a ‘smart fabric’ suited for repelling dust from flexible surfaces. Proof of concept for SPIcDER was demonstrated successfully at coupon level and a functional full-scale knee joint section of a spacesuit prototype. Our experiments with lunar and Martian dust simulants demonstrated the functionality and efficacy of SPIcDER in preventing dust contamination. The current paper details the performance of SPIcDER in vacuum conditions based on experiments conducted at the Kennedy Space Center utilizing spacesuit material coupons with CNT fibers. The research provides an assessment of both the design and manufacturing parameters influencing SPIcDER dust cleaning performance. While SPIcDER was initially developed for spacesuits, the underlying technology is versatile, applicable to flexible structures deployed during a mission in space, or on Earth.Item Spacesuit Integrated Carbon Nanotube Dust Removal System: A Scaled Prototype(48th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2018-07-08) Manyapu, Kavya; De Leon, Pablo; Peltz, Leora; Gaier, JamesSpacesuit dust mitigation has been a topic of high relevance and a critical path for future planetary exploration missions including Moon, Mars and Asteroids. A previous study demonstrated utilizing Carbon Nanotube (CNT) yarns as electrodes embedded into coupons made of spacesuit outer-layer material. When a multiphase Alternating Current (AC) voltage signal was applied to this material, the spacesuit fabric repelled greater than 80% lunar dust simulant with particle sizes between 10-75m in ambient conditions. As a continuation to this study, the feasibility of scaling the CNT embedded dust removal system on larger portions of spacesuit is investigated. A scaled prototype, representative of the knee joint section of a planetary spacesuit utilizing specifics of the NDX-2 lunar spacesuit developed by University of North Dakota was constructed. The outer-layer of this prototype is embedded with the CNT dust removal system and tested under various conditions. Fabrication of this system and results from the experiments using lunar dust simulant are detailed in this paper.Item Stress and Coping During Simulated EVAs and Habitat Living(50th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 7/12/2021) Leon, Gloria; Nelson, Travis; De Leon, PabloPlanning for long duration exploration missions (LDEM) involves both the effectiveness of the extravehicular operations, in particular as it is related to the functioning and comfort of the space suits, and how the crew functions together in accomplishing the objectives of the mission. The University of North Dakota Department of Space Studies has developed a multi-modular Inflatable Lunar/Mars Analog Habitat (ILMAH) and is testing iterations of their NDX-2AT space suit. Five 12-14 day missions, each consisting of 3-4 individuals (Total 13; 11 men, two women) were carried out. Team members independently completed a Daily Rating Form (DRF) each day of the mission; the measure assessed space suit functioning during a simulated exploration EVA, psychological factors of mood, positive events and stressful situations experienced, and strategy/decision making processes. The EVAs proceeded in a smooth manner and ratings indicated that the space suit performed well in enabling the team members to carry out the simulated exploration tasks effectively. There were few incidents of tension or arguments with a teammate; ratings of mood state indicated that positive mood predominated over negative mood throughout the mission. Adaptive coping methods were reported as appropriate for the particular stressor experienced; problem-focused coping, for example, discussing task concerns with a teammate, emotion-focused coping methods, relaxation, meditation, humor; and meaning-focused coping, keeping the goal in sight. The specific behavioral and cognitive coping methods participants used to deal with the stressors experienced were highly effective in promoting optimal personal and team performance. Training in the use of particular coping strategies and the flexibility to use different coping methods depending on the specific stressors experienced appears helpful in preparing astronauts for the many demands and challenges of living and working together on LDEM. This training should also be helpful for dealing with the psychological recovery period following an EVA.