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Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Crewmembers' ability to adjust to changes in gravity and sensorimotor function is essential for successful suited mobility in lunar and planetary missions. Setups for current pressurized spacesuit testing require suit technicians, specialized medical clearances, and test support personnel along with increased risk to the subject. Furthermore, suited setups constrain the types of additional hardware that can be used. A test bed was developed with the goal to evaluate human suited performance using an unpressurized Mark III mockup suit and virtual reality (VR) system.
The mockup suit provides a means of performing proof-of-concept tasks for suited performance with lower time and cost demands. Additionally, VR goggles provide a means for projecting an immersive planetary environment and applying perturbations to the visuo-vestibular system with minimal equipment. Furthermore, the test bed will be developed to allow room for improvement in fidelity for future suited applications.
The anticipated benefit of this novel proof-of-concept test bed is providing JSC a tool for other labs and groups to help evaluate suited motion from both a physical and cognitive aspect. This test bed will allow human performance testing in a suited environment without the need of pressurization or offloading. However, when time and resources allow, this test bed can also be applied to higher-fidelity testing so that results can be more predictive for lunar and planetary performance. The test bed will be designed to allow other labs and facilities to further develop performance testing by adding updated technology, sensors, and techniques.
Infusion Space / Earth
•VR goggles can be used as portable tool for training of visuo-vestibular deconditioning effects during lunar and planetary missions
•Test bed provides framework for quick performance manipulations for on-the-ground validation of lunar and planetary changes as well as their countermeasures
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