2020-07-272020-07-272020-07-31ICES_2020_519https://hdl.handle.net/2346/86377Kristina Todd, Jacobs Technology Inc., USJohn Hostetler, Jacobs Technology Inc., USNicolas Espinosa, Jacobs Technology Inc., USCinda Chullen, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), USICES402: Extravehicular Activity: PLSS SystemsThe proceedings for the 2020 International Conference on Environmental Systems were published from July 31, 2020. The technical papers were not presented in person due to the inability to hold the event as scheduled in Lisbon, Portugal because of the COVID-19 global pandemic.As the design for the Exploration Extra-vehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) is developed, there are obvious gaps in technologies which need to be fulfilled to meet the new exploration requirements. Various Exploration Portable Life Support System (xPLSS) Hatch components have been at a stall in technology development for many years and require innovative ideas. The xPLSS Hatch consists of the Feedwater Supply Assembly, Trace Contaminant Control System, and the Thermal loop filters. The lag in development of these hatch components is due to the previous misconception that these were simple components, which would require little effort. As the design has progressed, there have been various changes in requirements along with challenges, which will be covered throughout this paper. NASA has plans to go to the moon and as the mission extends further out of Lower Earth Orbit, durability and extensibility will become some of the most important requirements. The development of each of these components is relevant not only to the xEMU, but also to the International Space Station (ISS), Gateway, and commercial space businesses. As the xPLSS is being designed, built, integrated and tested at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) technology solutions will have a direct incorporation path as the xPLSS is matured to meet design and performance goals. The status and future work for the hatch components will also be presented in this paper.application/pdfengExploration Extra-vehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU)Exploration Portable Life Support System (xPLSS)Hatch componentsExplorationThermal control loopDesign challengesPresentation