Suited for Spacewalking pdf - Virtual Astronaut

Spacesuit technicians test the mobility ofa proposed hybrid suit design.A prototype ofa next-generation spacesuit is tested.research has explored incorporating robotic aidsinto the glove such as motor and cable systems toprovide grasping force at higher pressures. So far,such systems have not been successful because ofthe extra bulk added to the hands and arms of thesuit and because of the "what if" problem of a systemfailing while the hand is clamped onto anobject. That could make it very difficult to releasethe object.Another improvement in suit design will permitservicing and resizing suits in orb i t . T h i simprovement has already been tested on the STS-82 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope.The original design of the Space Shuttle EMUrequired the removal or the addition of sizinginserts to lengthen or shorten legs and arms. Thiswas a lengthy process because it involved lacingpieces together. Quick disconnect sizing insertshave been designed that greatly speed up and simplifythe process.The new system involves threadedq u i ck discon n e c t s , aluminum sizing ri n g s , a n dadjustable restraint lines.The capability of servicingand resizing suits in space is vital for operations onthe International Space Station. There, crew memberswill remain in space for months at a time, andEVAs will be routine events. With this and otherimprovements in design, spacesuits will be able tobe used 25 times on the International Space Stationover a period of 180 days before they have to bereturned to Earth for major reservicing.Another suit improvement is an electronic versionof the checklist worn on the arm. The newsystem,similar to a pocket electronic organizer, willenable the spacewalker to run through complexsequences at the touch of a button. The checklistcan be easily reprogrammed for new tasks. It mayalso have the capability of displaying television picturesfrom external cameras.4 0 • Suited for Spacewalking An Activity Guide for Technology Education, Mathematics, and Science, EG- 1 9 9 8 - 0 3 - 1 1 2 - H Q