NASA's xEVAS contract with RTX moves forward with successful spacesuit test

NASA's xEVAS contract with RTX moves forward with successful spacesuit test
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 05, 2024

Collins Aerospace, a business segment of Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), in collaboration with ILC Dover and Oceaneering, has announced a significant advancement in the development of its next-generation spacesuit designed for use on the International Space Station (ISS). This development comes as part of NASA's Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) contract, marking a crucial milestone in the evolution of extravehicular activity (EVA) technology.

The Crew Capability Assessment test, a pivotal phase in the suit's design process, was successfully completed, showcasing the suit's performance in a simulated zero-gravity environment onboard an aircraft. The test, executed by former NASA astronauts with extensive experience, was aimed at evaluating the suit's pressure garment system for fit and functionality, compatibility with ISS tools and interfaces, and the performance of the new Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) in comparison to the current NASA spacesuit design.

Peggy Guirgis, General Manager of Space Systems at Collins Aerospace, underscored the importance of the test, stating, "The test allowed us to examine specific objectives of the design that can support a broad range of crewmember sizes and crew tasks in a controlled environment." This indicates a significant focus on versatility and adaptability in spacesuit design, ensuring that future space explorers are equipped with the most advanced and comfortable gear.

Rob Reed, President of Space and Engineered Solutions at ILC Dover, emphasized the significance of the pressure garment design, noting, "ILC Dover's pressure garment design leverages decades of innovation and experience to fit more astronauts than ever before, ensuring the safety and comfort of the next generation of space explorers." The successful completion of the test is heralded as a step closer to enhancing human life's sustainability in space, showcasing the advanced capabilities of the latest spacesuit technology.

The next-generation spacesuit from Collins Aerospace represents a leap forward in EVA technology, being lighter and occupying less volume than its predecessors. Its open architecture design facilitates easy modifications to suit changing mission requirements or advances in technology. Notably, the development process has benefited from the insights of current and former astronauts, guiding the engineering and design choices towards practicality and efficiency.

With the critical design review on the horizon, Collins Aerospace has scheduled further evaluations to test the spacesuit's capabilities comprehensively. These include a thermal vacuum test and an underwater test at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Texas, crucial steps in ensuring the suit's readiness for actual space missions.