A paper discusses a dual-compartment inflatable suitlock (DCIS) for Extra-vehicular Activity (EVA) that will allow for dust control, suit maintenance, and efficient EVA egress/ingress. The expandable (inflatable technologies) aspect of the design will allow the unit to stow in a compact package for transport.
The DCIS consists of three hard, inline bulkheads, separating two cylindrical membrane-walled compartments. The inner bulkhead can be fitted with a variety of hatch types, docking flanges, and mating hardware, such as the common berthing mechanism (CBM), for the purpose of mating with vehicles, habitats, and other pressurized modules. The inner bulkhead and center bulkhead function as the end walls of the inner compartment, which, during operations, would stay pressurized, either matching the pressure of the habitat or acting as a lower-pressure transitional volume. The suited crewmember can quickly don a suit, and egress the suitlock without waiting for the compartment to depressurize. The outer compartment can be pressurized infrequently, when a long dwell time is expected prior to the next EVA, or during off-nominal suit maintenance tasks, allowing “shirtsleeve” inspections and maintenance of the space suits. The outer bulkhead has a pressure-assisted hatch door that stays open and stowed routinely, but can be closed for suit maintenance and pressurization as needed.
This work was done by A. Scott Howe of Caltech, and Kriss J. Kennedy, Peggy L. Guirgis, and Robert M. Boyle of Johnson Space Center for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
NPO-47786
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Dual-Compartment Inflatable Suitlock
(reference NPO-47786) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for the Dual-Compartment Inflatable Suitlock (DCIS), developed by A. Scott Howe at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and documented under NASA Tech Briefs (NPO-47786). It outlines the design, functionality, and potential applications of the Suitlock, which is an innovative system intended for use in space exploration.
The Dual-Compartment Inflatable Suitlock is designed to facilitate the safe donning and doffing of space suits in a controlled environment. It features a dual-compartment structure that includes a pressurized inner compartment for astronauts to prepare their suits and an outer compartment that is nominally unpressurized. The Suitlock is equipped with pneumatic beams and bulkheads that provide structural integrity and support during operation.
Key components of the Suitlock include the inner bulkhead, center bulkhead, and outer bulkhead, which work together to create a secure environment for astronauts. The inner compartment is specifically designed for the astronaut's life support system (PLSS) and includes a small maintenance access hatch. The outer compartment is designed to be deployed in various environments, ensuring that astronauts can safely transition between the habitat (Hab Side) and the egress side for extravehicular activities (EVAs).
The document emphasizes the Suitlock's potential applications beyond space exploration, highlighting its relevance to various technological, scientific, and commercial fields. It is part of NASA's Commercial Technology Program, which aims to disseminate aerospace-related developments that could have broader implications.
Additionally, the document includes contact information for further inquiries regarding research and technology in this area, specifically through the Innovative Technology Assets Management at JPL. It also contains a disclaimer regarding the use of the information provided, clarifying that the U.S. Government does not assume liability for its application.
Overall, the Technical Support Package serves as a comprehensive overview of the Dual-Compartment Inflatable Suitlock, showcasing its innovative design and potential impact on future space missions and related technologies.
