Range of Motion Evaluation of a Final Frontier Design IVA Spacesuit using Motion Capture

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Spacesuit Utilization of Innovative Technology Laboratory (S.U.I.T. Lab) is focused on improving human performance in spaceflight by concentrating on spacesuit research for intravehicular activities (IVA) and extravehicular activities (EVA). The S.U.I.T. Lab worked with Final Frontier Design (FFD) to provide a quantitative analysis protocol for seated arm mobility of their NASA Flight Opportunities Program (FOP) IVA spacesuit. The lab used reflective tracking markers on three test subjects and recorded a set of arm motions using OptiTrack’s infrared motion capture system. All motions were recorded in three spacesuit conditions including: unsuited; suited unpressurized; and suited pressurized (2.5 psid). Programs were developed in MATLAB to analyze and plot angular metrics as well as three-dimensional reach envelopes. These programs allow the spacesuit manufacturer to visualize the mobility of their spacesuit design and associate qualitative mobility characteristics with quantitative results in the form of angular and volumetric data. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Spacesuit Utilization of Innovative Technology Laboratory (S.U.I.T. Lab) is focused on improving human performance in spaceflight by concentrating on spacesuit research for intravehicular activities (IVA) and extravehicular activities (EVA). The design and execution of range of motion (ROM) protocols in an experimental setting will provide insight on the functions and restrictions of spacesuits, aiding in current and future designs or modification. The S.U.I.T. Lab worked with Final Frontier Design (FFD) to provide a quantitative analysis protocol for seated arm mobility of their NASA Flight Opportunities Program (FOP) IVA spacesuit. The lab used reflective tracking markers on three test subjects and recorded a set of arm ROMs using OptiTrack’s infrared motion capture system including: shoulder abduction/adduction; vertical and horizontal shoulder flexion/extension; and vertical and horizontal full-arm carveouts. All motions were recorded in three spacesuit conditions including: unsuited; suited unpressurized; and suited pressurized (2.5psid). Motion capture data was edited and filtered for mobility analysis calculations. Programs were developed in MATLAB to analyze and plot angular metrics as well asthree-dimensionalreach envelopes. These programs allow the spacesuit manufacturer to visualize the mobility of their spacesuit design and associate qualitative mobility characteristics with quantitative results in the form of angular and volumetric data.The percentages of mobility retained between all spacesuit conditionsreveal a quantifiable reduction in mobilitygoing from unsuited to suited unpressurized to suited pressurized.Based off the performance of this investigation, FFD gathered preliminary data regarding the mobility of their NASA FOP spacesuit. Improvements to the equipment and protocol used by the lab for motion capture and analysis have been implemented since this study. Expanding from four to nine motion capture cameras, the lab has been able to capture spacesuit mobility data with far greater accuracy and completeness.Updated prescribed motion protocols instruct subjects to maintain straight arms reaching as far as comfortable and across their body in some cases, which is done to characterize shoulder mobility and is not reflective of the spacesuit’s maximum mobility

Eagle Wallet

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the world towards contactless technology. With the increase of these tech innovations the advantages have become clear. Using a smart phone to pay for items is convenient and efficient. The “Eagle Wallet” Android application utilizes Radio Frequency ID (RFID)/Near Field Communications (NFC) technology so students, faculty, and staff can use their smart phone to pay for meals. The application allows users to take advantage of the University’s “Dining Dollars” discount of ten percent off posted prices as well as view progress of any meal plans purchased. The user’s login credentials are stored safely in a remote server, and bank information uses bank grade security. The future implementations for the application would be to have the application work with on campus scanners at vending machines, campus merchants, bookstore, and buildings. The less contact between people and public items the less the virus is spread on campus

Applying Augmented Reality Technology To Improve Lunar Extravehicular Activity Operations

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Spacesuit Utilization of Innovative Technology Laboratory (ERAU S.U.I.T. Lab) has developed an augmented reality (AR) heads up display, Augmented Lunar Exploration and Extravehicular Interface (ALEXEI), for lunar astronauts as part of the 2021 NASA SUITS challenge. The challenge encourages students to explore and develop potential interfaces to aid astronauts as NASA’s Artemis Program prepares for the return to the lunar surface. The system runs on the Magic Leap One AR headset, and uses a tactile controller combined with head tracking for the primary form of input. ALEXEI organizes EVA information into two screens located on the periphery of the user and separates the EVA core features into separate applications that satisfy the challenge’s requirements. These applications include Vitals, Tasks, Navigation, Science, Settings, and Media. The ALEXEI system underwent limited human in the loop testing at ERAU and was accepted to be tested at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. EVA experts demoed, evaluated, and provided positive feedback of the overall system. Standout features included the multiple navigational aids, user customization, and tactile control input system. To sum-up ALEXEI’s core design has been approved as an exceptional proof of concept to help improve situational awareness for future EVAs