Lessons Learned from Analogue Mars Surface Suits: Applications for Next Generation Analogue Suits and Moon-Mars Surface Suits

Paper number

IAC-08.B3.5.9

Author

Mr. Paul Graham, United States

Year

2008

Abstract

Future lunar and martian exploration requires improved designs for Lunar Surface Suits (LSS) and Mars Surface Suits (MSS) over the Apollo design. The process of refining suits calls for analogue testing in a relevant environment. Since 2001, the author has been overseeing operations at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) and Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS), Observing simulations using primitive analogue suits, and gathering data on suit functionality from the perspective of the experienced field scientists and engineers who use them. Most current analogue suits are derived from the Apollo era “Gas Bag” concept, with notable exceptions for derivatives of Paul Webb's Mechanical Counter Pressure (MCP) suit design. Although Apollo suits were used for EVAs as long as 7.5 hours, future suits, to be worn on longer duration missions, will need to be designed for much longer wear-time. Analogue operations to date, however, have not focused on very long duration usage of suits (>24hours).
A next generation analogue LSS/MSS must be designed, based on lessons learned from eight years of operation and testing. This suit must simulate the capability of operating for as long as 18 hours in normal operations, and potentially for several weeks of continuous wear-time in an extreme emergency. Some areas of design concern include oxygen supply, food supply, drinking water supply, carbon dioxide, liquid and solid waste disposal,  in-suit communications and navigation, temperature control, remote medical access, long duration radiation shielding, personal in-situ resource utilization, environmental protection, mobile power sources, and resource recycling. Rescue and recovery of an injured explorer or a damaged suit should be considered. Along with these basic physical needs, other features should be included such as enhancements in assistance for scientific studies, in-suit documentation, recording, and location capabilities. Available to the wearer should be local copies of engineering or scientific documentation, mapping and other data resources. Entertainment should be considered to help maintain morale during long transits, tedious tasks, or during emergencies. Lastly, the suit must be modular, inexpensively manufactured, easy to maintain and clean, durable enough to provide physical protection and must be able to operate in a wide variety of environments, with variable outerwear for special needs.
All of these features can be incorporated into the next generation of analogue LSS or MSS designs and be tested for integration into suits that will eventually be used for tourism or lunar and martian exploration.

Abstract document

IAC-08.B3.5.9.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B3.5.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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