Research

Research Problem

Extravehicular activities (EVAs) can be summarized as missions performed by humans outside of a spacecraft, and are largely used for maintenance and servicing missions. However, EVAs are largely inefficient as the majority of time is spent preparing for the space environment - depressurizing, pre-breathing, etc. - rather than conducting target tasks. Additionally, EVAs are known to cause physiological issues that could be avoided utilizing a different method for completing missions.

Research Questions

How to integrate gloved operations and robotic arms with a single-person spacecraft? Is voice control possible? Gestural control?
- Or if not possible, do we require a two-person spacecraft?
Are SUVs as useful as suited missions? We know it is possible, but is it worth it and does it work as well as current methods?
What do we need for a good/safe cabin environment away from the parent spacecraft?

Mission Statement/Goals

The goal of this project is to validate the concept of a space utility vehicle (SUV) that could be used for completing routine maintenance tasks in place of a traditional EVA. An SUV would, ideally, provide a shirtsleeves environment for an astronaut to conduct work that would allow for direct interaction, utilizing integrated suit arms, as well as indirect activity, through the use of dextrous robotic manipulators.

Project Scope

The first half of this project focuses on determining the viability/necessity of interfacing methods between the SUV-pilot and the prospective worksite. Methods of interfacing can range from gloved operations to dexterous robotic manipulators. The latter half of the project will integrate the robotic manipulators with simulational data collected in the lab. This data will include testing within the buoyancy tank and implementing the AX-5 robotic arm. After all results have been collected, an analysis of the effectiveness and necessity of the concept will be tested against NASA standards.