Development of Rear Entry HUT/PLSS Design for Aouda.X Spacesuit Simulator

Abstract: The Aouda.X Space suit simulator, developed by The Austrian Space Forum( OeWF) currently consists of a system that weighs 48 kg of which nearly 57% is comprised of the Suit's HUT (Hard Upper Torso), PLSS (Portable Life Support System) and OBDH (On- board data handling). In addition to this, the current conguration requires 3 hours of assisted donning/doffing. To improve the ergonomics of the design, a relatively lighter HUT/PLSS design prototype with efficient donning capabilities, preferably self -donning, must be developed. This issue can be addressed by proposing a Rear - Entry Design that when implemented on the Aouda.X, can potentially ease these impediments.This study aims at identifying a suitable Rear entry closure design for the current conguration of Aouda.X based on planetary suit performance indicators and operational requirements. The Aouda.X rear entry design is also targeted to be compatible with the NDX -Suitport developed by the University of North Dakota's Human Space Flight Laboratory. The thesis work comprises of the development of a suitable methodology to distinguish a rear entry design for the HUT and PLSS of the spacesuit simulator with the identication of a self-sealing/locking mechanism based on these requirements. A full scale CAD model of the HUT and PLSS with optimal dimensions of compatibility for the Spacesuit with the suitport is designed as a result of this study. Static load bearing analysis is performed to validate the feasibility of the structure and make suitabe recommendations for choice of materials. Methods for further improvement for rear entry suit development are outlined.