Mapping of IVA Spacesuit Mobility - Design Observations and Functionality

The SUIT Lab at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a joint student-faculty project utilizing multiple high altitude pressure garments to investigate suited crew capabilities within a spacecraft during simulated spaceflight missions. The testing environment within the SUIT lab includes the use of suits in a low- fidelity capsule cabin mockup with a horizontally situated launch-positioned chair simulator. Standard videography and analytical video software are used to determine levels of achievement in ergonomic range of motion and comfort design across multiple spacesuits. Comparative analysis and testing provide data supporting the requirement for the use of particular spacesuits inside proposed commercial launch vehicles. Results of the study have indicated that the use of ergonomic and standardized dexterity tests coupled with methods for quantifiable range-of-motion data collection via motion capture and analysis, provide a useful basis for evaluating spacesuit performance for future spacecraft integration. This study presents the relevance and means for developing an academic-based suit testing environment, and the processes of providing recommendations for adjustments that may need to be considered with respect to both nominal and off-nominal crew activities while in IVA spacesuits.