Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Katrina Ternus - Junior Nicholas Lopac - Senior Thomas Burghardt - Junior Sarah Ketchersid - Junior Madeline Wallin - Junior Nikolas Blanks - Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Katrina Ternus
Faculty Mentor Name
Erik L. Seedhouse
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Abstract
The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Spacesuit Utilization of Innovative Technology Laboratory (S.U.I.T. Lab) specializes in spacesuit operations, testing, and analysis with a focus on human performance. The lab promotes undergraduate research and works to involve students in all disciplines. A majority of the students involved with the lab are studying Spaceflight Operations, Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, or Human Factors. This proposal, created by undergraduate students at ERAU, seeks to describe the capabilities of the Luna Modular Operations Tool Holster (LunaMOTH). LunaMOTH has been designed to enable an astronaut to quickly and easily remove and replace a tool on the spacesuit utility belt during work on the lunar surface. The attachment system is composed of two interlocking portions: the suit-side interface and the tool-side interface. The tool-side interface is a protruding knob on an oblong neck that slides into a slot on the suit-side interface. This is kept in place by the resistance of spring plungers installed in the sides of this slot. The modular system includes a wedge-shaped backplate that further discourages accidental release of the tool, should an additional level of security be desired. To remove a tool from the stowed configuration, the astronaut applies minimal force to lift the neck of the tool-side interface past the plungers. The tool is returned by guiding the tool-side interface into the opening of the suit-side interface and applying downward force to lock them together. LunaMOTH is designed with user mobility and dust tolerance in mind and will assist astronauts in efficiently completing tasks during Extravehicular Activity (EVA) operations on the Moon.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Lunar Modular Operations Tool Holster: Space Suit Attachment Quick Release Device
The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Spacesuit Utilization of Innovative Technology Laboratory (S.U.I.T. Lab) specializes in spacesuit operations, testing, and analysis with a focus on human performance. The lab promotes undergraduate research and works to involve students in all disciplines. A majority of the students involved with the lab are studying Spaceflight Operations, Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, or Human Factors. This proposal, created by undergraduate students at ERAU, seeks to describe the capabilities of the Luna Modular Operations Tool Holster (LunaMOTH). LunaMOTH has been designed to enable an astronaut to quickly and easily remove and replace a tool on the spacesuit utility belt during work on the lunar surface. The attachment system is composed of two interlocking portions: the suit-side interface and the tool-side interface. The tool-side interface is a protruding knob on an oblong neck that slides into a slot on the suit-side interface. This is kept in place by the resistance of spring plungers installed in the sides of this slot. The modular system includes a wedge-shaped backplate that further discourages accidental release of the tool, should an additional level of security be desired. To remove a tool from the stowed configuration, the astronaut applies minimal force to lift the neck of the tool-side interface past the plungers. The tool is returned by guiding the tool-side interface into the opening of the suit-side interface and applying downward force to lock them together. LunaMOTH is designed with user mobility and dust tolerance in mind and will assist astronauts in efficiently completing tasks during Extravehicular Activity (EVA) operations on the Moon.