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Collins Aerospace, with partners ILC Dover and Oceaneering, has completed the Crew Capability Assessment test, which it describes as a key step in the design process for the new “Extravehicular Mobility Unit”.
The Collins team validated suit performance in a manufactured zero-gravity environment onboard an aircraft, performing a series of demonstrations performed by former NASA astronauts. Objectives of the flight test included evaluation of the suit’s pressure garment system fit and functionality and use of ISS tools and interfaces.
“The test allowed us to examine specific objectives of the design that can support a broad range of crewmember sizes and crew tasks in a controlled environment,” said Peggy Guirgis, general manager, Space Systems, for Collins Aerospace.
“ILC Dover’s pressure garment design leverages decades of innovation and experience to fit more astronauts than ever before, ensuring the safety and comfort of the next generation of space explorers,” said Rob Reed, president of Space & Engineered Solutions at ILC Dover. “The successful test signals that we’re one step closer to sustaining human life in space with the most advanced spacesuit yet.”
What comes next? Tests scheduled include a thermal vacuum test and an underwater test to be held at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Texas.
Spacesuits
The spacesuits will have to support spacewalking in low-Earth orbit outside the ISS and also on the Moon as part of future Artemis missions.
How much do the suits cost? Nasa’s Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) contracts have a potential total value of $3.5 billion across the full life of the programme.
Nasa originally chose two companies to build its next-generation astronaut spacesuits: Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace.
Image: Collins Aerospace
See also: Nasa preps next-gen suits for Extravehicular Activity Services
