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Procedures for rapid microbiological analysis were performed during simulated surface extra-vehicular activity (EVA) at Meteor Crater, Arizona. The fully suited operator swabbed rock (‘unknown’ sample), spacesuit glove (contamination control) and air (negative control). Each swab sample was analyzed for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and β-1, 3-glucan within 10 minutes by the handheld LOCAD PTS instrument, scheduled for flight to ISS on space shuttle STS-116. This simulated a rapid and preliminary ‘life detection’ test (with contamination control) that a human could perform on Mars. Eight techniques were also evaluated for their ability to clean and remove LPS and β-1, 3-glucan from five surface materials of the EVA Mobility Unit (EMU). While chemical/mechanical techniques were effective at cleaning smooth surfaces (e.g. RTV silicon), they were less so with porous fabrics (e.g. TMG gauntlet).

The success of astronauts performing extravehicular activity (EVA) on orbit is highly dependent upon the performance of their spacesuit gloves. A study has recently been conducted to advance the development and manufacture of spacesuit gloves. The process replaces the manual techniques of spacesuit glove manufacture by utilizing emerging technologies such as laser scanning, Computer Aided Design (CAD), computer generated two-dimensional patterns from three-dimensional surfaces, rapid prototyping technology, and laser cutting of materials, to manufacture the new gloves. Results of the program indicate that the baseline process will not increase the cost of the gloves as compared to existing styles, and in production, may reduce the cost of the gloves. Perhaps the most important outcome of the Laserscan process is that greater accuracy and design control can be realized.

Based on recently revised space debris environment estimations for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) altitudes, the level of Micrometeoroid/Debris (M/D) protection afforded by the current Shuttle space suit layup may not be sufficient for application to the Space Station Freedom Program. Enhanced M/D protection could be incorporated through the use of a flexible multi-hull Thermal Micrometeoroid Garment (TMG) based on advanced fabric material layups. A lightweight, flexible TMG design for enhanced space suit M/D protection would potentially consist of an outer layer or “shield” comprised of Orthofabric, multi-layers of aluminized Mylar and a layer of silicone rubber loaded with micron sized particles of tungsten. The second layer or “backup sheet” would be comprised of a layer(s) of a fabric material such as Spectra (UHMWPE). The shield layers would fragment and/or vaporize the M/D projectile while the backup sheet would stop the resultant debris cloud.

The success of astronauts performing Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) is highly dependent on the performance capabilities of their spacesuit gloves. Thermal protection of crewmember's hands has always been a critical concern but has recently become more important because of the increasing role of the crewmember in the manipulation of objects in the environment of space. The utilization of EVA for challenging missions, such as the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) repair and Space Station assembly missions, has prompted the need for improved glove thermal protection. The increased manipulation of hot and cold objects is necessary to complete these complex missions. Thermal protection of the spacesuit glove is accomplished by the Thermal and Micrometeoroid Garment (TMG). The TMG is a multilayered cover that fits over the restraint layer of the spacesuit glove. The TMG is engineered to provide thermal protection for crewmember's hands as well as for the glove bladder and restraint.