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Modular Portable Life Support System (PLSS) to Increase EVA Mobility and Reduce Consumables

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

This proposal seeks to analyze the requirements for a modular portable life support system (PLSS) for a highly mobile, lightweight suit, and quantify mobility and bioenergetics as a function of subsystem placement for both gas-pressurized suits and advanced suit concepts. This will inform suit/PLSS design of both current (Z-series) and next-generation suits.

Benefits

This will inform suit/PLSS design of both current (Z-series) and next-generation suits.

Details

Technology areaHuman Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Extravehicular Activity Systems > Portable Life Support System
ProgramSpace Technology Research Grants (STRG)
Lead organizationMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Start date2014-08-01
End date2016-08-31

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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