U.S. Exploration EVA: Architecture and ConOps Overview NASA-JSC EVA Office/J. Buffington
Introduction EVA Systems are critical to the majority of human space exploration missions EVA Systems include suits, tools and vehicle interface hardware NASA is pursuing a flexible framework for future missions (specifics are in formulation) and EVA development can be difficult to pursue alongside the needs of transportation and habitation systems Maintaining relevance means being extremely efficient and smart about our investments (lean), responsive to change (agility), and communicating effectively We can achieve this by developing tools and tactics that envelope the possible mission architectures for EVA based upon human physiology, incorporate lessons learned from the first 50 years of EVA operations/development and manage under a philosophical drive to standardize EVA systems for mission beyond LEO This presentation summarizes NASA s efforts to not only see the big picture but our efforts to manage and communicate it as well 2
Tools & Tactics Used to Manage and Integrate EVA Development Family of Viable Destinations for EVA -> Map to Specific DRMs/Programs Identify and document general operations concepts and unique functions for each class: 1. Micro-Gravity Engineered Surface, Thermal Vacuum Gemini, Apollo deep-space, Skylab, Mir, Shuttle, ISS 2. Micro-Gravity Natural Surface, Thermal Vacuum Near-Earth Asteroids (direct interface), Phobos, Deimos 3. Partial-Gravity Thermal Vacuum Earth s Moon 4. Partial-Gravity Partial Atmosphere Mars Surface https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/nac-heoc 3
Tools & Tactics Used to Manage and Integrate EVA Development Capability Identification Compare to State of Art/Knowledge Base Gap Identification 1. Identify common and unique functions and capability drivers and needs Can come through EVA Stakeholder forums, State-of-the-Art Assessments, Lessons Learned, etc 2. Assessment led by EVA System Maturation Team (SMT) and further discussed with stakeholders at EVA Exploration Working Group 3. This results in Technology (EA), Knowledge (XX) and Development (typ. flight) gaps 4. Gap & Risk identification spreadsheets (and hopefully new communication tools) provide wide access Note that high priority Gaps/Risks are carried the extra mile into specifics via SBIR/STTR/RFI/RFP s/etc If you don t see something in those specific calls, we would suggest you first go to the Gap/Risk list before you cold call because that will give you the next layer of insight 4
Naming the Approach NASA s naming convention has a tiered approach We talk about the family of equipment and increments under xeva System You ll hear us talk about suits using xemu and memu You ll hear within these some references to xemu Lite which is our terminology for a first incremental step towards the full xemu definition You ll hear about classic EVA subsystems such as PGS, PLSS, Tools, etc with an x prefix: xpgs, xplss, xtools, etc You ll hear that, depending upon the size of step we are trying to take, there may be a Dash Number, i.e. xplss-301 Naming Convention (Layer: Example) Up and Out/OpNom: xeva System, xemu, memu Top Assembly Name: xemu Lite, xemu, memu Subassemblies: xpgs, xplss, xtools, etc Dash Number Version: xplss-301 5
Tools & Tactics Used to Manage and Integrate EVA Development Results / Implementation Defining and infusing the System Architecture and Concept of Operations into future missions An incremental approach is possible, with each step leaving something for the next LEA Suit System Deep Space EVA System (xemu) Mars Surface EVA System (memu) 6
Tools & Tactics Used to Manage and Integrate EVA Development Results / Implementation Vetted Requirements for new systems and components Annual planning, technology calls and resource requests (i.e. SBIRs/ STTRs) Communicate and seek feedback Annual EVA System Development Plan EVA Unique workshops Publish Ops Cons, system requirements, portfolios make more widely available 7
Checking the Bounds H Mercury H Venus H Earth H Mars memu xeva System s Capability 8
2017 Progress Portable Life Support System: Procurement of specific components to support component level technology maturation Testing and performance evaluation of latest prototype components Initiation of System Analysis (e.g. Structural and stress) and model development Requirements / Specification development at the Subsystem and component level for the engineering reference design Pressure Garment: Testing of Z2 in the NBL with goals of Validating Z-2 w/ PLSS package (moldline) volume for use on ISS or similar airlock designs Evaluating performance of the Z2 with EMU LTA, including use of EMU tools with Z2 upper torso architecture and suit usability with subjects across size range Evaluate performance in micro-g setting of a highly mobile (planetary) LTA Support Human Research Program benchmark testing (planetary prototypes in reduced gravity) 9
2018 Forward Planning The next flight development could serve many different purposes: EVA Flight Demonstrator on ISS Cis-Lunar EVA Microgravity EVA suit Lunar Surface EVA suit To enable this we need to Continue to safely fly the existing EVA System on ISS, using it to learn from and reduce risks for Exploration Revise and validate a cadre of system requirements, interface definition, standards, and operations concepts Mature and validate advanced EVA systems and technologies. Goal to maximize use of ISS for subsystem and complete suit demonstration i.e. put as much on a flight demo(s) as we have time and funding for Continue to refine tactical and strategic gaps lists and close them! Improve communication to industry, academia, general public our strategic and tactical plans Outlined in the next revision of the Exploration EVA Strategic Planning Document (2018), published via accessible venues such as ICES 10
Acknowledgements The EVA Office would like to acknowledge the extremely hard work and patience of the EVA Community who have helped to keep EVA technology development moving forward. You have our sincerest appreciation. HQ Study Teams / SMT Current Programs (ISS) Future Programs FOD (Crew / MOD) SR&QA Human Health & Performance Engineering & Chief Engineer (Sustaining and Tech Dev) Industry / Academia Procurement & Strategic Partnerships EVA Office Planning, Integration & Coordination 11
BACKUP 10/17/2017 12
NASA Advisory Council (NAC) https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/nac-heoc
NASA Advisory Council (NAC) https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/nac-heoc