Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Tyler Mastroianni, Sophomore Alexander Choinski, Junior David Smith, Sophomore Maxwell Perkins, Sophomore Kelsey Hunsicker, Sophomore Jeanelle Ferdinand, Sophomore
Lead Presenter's Name
Tyler Mastroianni
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Sathya Gangadharan
Abstract
The 2026 NASA Micro-g NExT Challenge 2 requests a device that simplifies the stowage of tools during EVAs. EVAs are crucial during missions, but their effectiveness is hindered because of challenging tool management. Our device, Latch Point, is designed to streamline tool stowage, allowing astronauts to secure tools more efficiently and with less physical strain. This will reduce the duration of EVAs, improving mission productivity. This is important because EVAs are expensive due to the complexity of the suits and the training and preparation required of astronauts before they can undergo these types of missions. This new device would reduce the complexity of EVAs, decreasing both the cost and time required to complete extra-vehicular tasks. This also increases mission safety by limiting astronauts’ exposure to harsh space conditions, including but not limited to radiation, solar flares, and micrometeors. This supports NASA’s goal of increasing the overall effectiveness of human spaceflight operations.
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?
No
Included in
Space Habitation and Life Support Commons, Space Vehicles Commons, Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Commons
Microgravity Operations: Passive Capture Tool Dock Development
The 2026 NASA Micro-g NExT Challenge 2 requests a device that simplifies the stowage of tools during EVAs. EVAs are crucial during missions, but their effectiveness is hindered because of challenging tool management. Our device, Latch Point, is designed to streamline tool stowage, allowing astronauts to secure tools more efficiently and with less physical strain. This will reduce the duration of EVAs, improving mission productivity. This is important because EVAs are expensive due to the complexity of the suits and the training and preparation required of astronauts before they can undergo these types of missions. This new device would reduce the complexity of EVAs, decreasing both the cost and time required to complete extra-vehicular tasks. This also increases mission safety by limiting astronauts’ exposure to harsh space conditions, including but not limited to radiation, solar flares, and micrometeors. This supports NASA’s goal of increasing the overall effectiveness of human spaceflight operations.