Final Frontier Design's EVA Space Suit Enclosure (ESSE)

Date

2017-07-16

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

47th International Conference on Environmental Systems

Abstract

FFD is developing a new EVA space suit design. The EVA space suit has a soft upper torso, integrated helmet, and rear entry design. Gloves, elbow and shoulder joints are based on well defined FFD technology developed under SBIR contracts with NASA. The pressure garment is primarily single layer, integrating bladder and restraint. The Hybrid Universal Space Suit (HUSS) designed to be optimized to be lighter weight and lower cost than previous technologies. A fabric reinforced upper torso, unique backpack closure system, additive manufactured bearings and ventilation components, and a single layer pressure garment help to inform these design goals.
FFD has a long history of IVA space suit and EVA suit components development, including multiple SBIR awards for EVA components and complete builds of 7 IVA space suits. Our lead engineer, Nikolay Moiseev, has more than 20 years of experience in Russia developing and building full EVA suit architectures for both microgravity and planetary missions. A build and commercialization plan has been developed. Key undefined components, including bearings and the torso assembly, are being prototyped first. A torso and helmet qualification unit will be tested for pressurized operations before including limbs. Operationally, the configuration of the life support system will define the testing environment progression. Initial testing will be umbilical based, moving to more advanced operations under water. A portable life support system (PLSS) for use on Earth analog environments will then be developed, prior to a full-up space based PLSS system. Commercially, FFD is partnering with both citizen scientist operations and universities interested in showcasing this technology, in addition to NASA and traditional space industry. Longer term, EVA architectures in LEO and beyond represent a major undefined opportunity within the commercial space industry.

Description

Nikolay Moiseev, Final Frontier Design, USA
Ted Southern, Final Frontier Design, USA
ICES400: Extravehicular Activity: Space Suits
The 47th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in South Carolina, USA on 16 July 2017 through 20 July 2017.

Keywords

EVA, space suit, portable life support system, commercial space industry, rear entry design

Citation