Technical Paper
Neck-Entry Suitports: A Novel Concept Utilizing Morphing Upper Torso Technology
2009-07-12
2009-01-2571
This paper describes a unique concept for donning and doffing a spacesuit from a pressurized rover or habitat, which merges three independent concepts: suitports, neck-entry EVA suits, and the Morphing Upper Torso. ...To develop this concept, a neck-entry Morphing Upper Torso experimental model has been designed and fabricated, and systems level design studies have been performed, including visualization with the aid of CAD models of the neck-entry suitport on a small pressurized rover and a lunar habitat. As well, a donning test-station has been developed and used for experiments in 1-G, simulated microgravity and simulated partial gravity. ...Together with the CAD models and the experimental pressurized Morphing Upper Torso model, the experiments have shown that this concept should be considered for a future suitport and suit architecture, which could greatly simplify the suitport design, minimize volume needed within the rover or habitat, improve PLSS design and servicing, and simplify suit alignment with the suitport during egress from the suit.