Browsing by Author "Manyapu, Kavya K."
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Item Effects of Dust Contamination on NDX-1 Planetary Spacesuit Material during Simulated EVAs(45th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2015-07-12) Manyapu, Kavya K.; Gaier, James R.; León, Pablo de; Shiro, BrianHazards to spacesuits from planetary dust are key challenges that need to be addressed for successful future missions to Moon and Mars. Observations from the Apollo missions have shown that lunar dust led to substantial and rapid suit degradation during lunar operations. As such, NASA has identified dust mitigation as one of its top priorities before sending humans back to the lunar surface or to Mars for extended stays. We report on the effect of dust contamination on the outer layer materials used in the NDX-1 (North Dakota experimental-1) spacesuit demonstrator, built by the Department of Space Studies at the University of North Dakota. Two tests were conducted at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) to investigate and improve the capability of the spacesuit materials to withstand dust abrasion and penetration for Mars analog studies. Kneepads made of the NDX-1 suit materials were worn during several simulated Extra-Vehicular Activities at MDRS. The first test was conducted to examine material capability, while the second test included improvements based on lessons from the first test. Samples were analyzed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Optical microscopy to determine the degree of wear on the outer layer materials and the corresponding dust permeation encountered in the subsequent layers. This paper compares the results from both tests and offers lessons learned.Item Investigating the Feasibility of Utilizing Carbon Nanotube Fibers for Spacesuit Dust Mitigation(46th International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2016-07-10) Manyapu, Kavya K.; Peltz, Leora; de Leon, Pablo; Gaier, James R.; Tsentalovich, Dmitri; Calle, Carlos; Mackey, PaulHistorical data from the Apollo missions has compelled NASA to identify dust mitigation of spacesuits and other components as a critical path prior to sending humans on potential future lunar exploration missions. Several studies thus far have proposed passive and active countermeasures to address this challenge. However, these technologies have been primarily developed and proven for rigid surfaces such as solar cells and thermal radiators. Integration of these technologies for spacesuit dust mitigation has remained an open challenge due to the complexity of suit design. Current research investigates novel methods to enhance integration of the Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) concept for spacesuits. We leverage previously proven EDS concept developed by NASA for rigid surfaces and apply new techniques to integrate the technology into spacesuits to mitigate dust contamination. The study specifically examines the feasibility of utilizing Carbon Nanotube(CNT) yarns manufactured by Rice University as electrodes in spacesuit material. Proof of concept testing was conducted at NASA Kennedy Space Center using lunar regolith simulant to understand the feasibility of the proposed techniques for spacesuit application. Results from the experiments are detailed in this paper. Potential challenges of applying this technology for spacesuits are also identified.