Hands-Free Control Interfaces for an Extra Vehicular Jetpack

• Published in: NASA Center for AeroSpace Information (CASI). Conference Proceedings
• Main Authors: Zumbado, Jennifer Rochlis, Curiel, Pedro H, Schreiner, Sam
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Hampton NASA/Langley Research Center 02.03.2012
• Subjects: Aeronautics; Asteroids; Astronauts; Deep space; Extravehicular activity; Multinational space ventures; Near-Earth Objects; Space exploration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) strategic vision includes, as part of its long-term goals, the exploration of deep space and Near Earth Asteroids (NEA). To support these endeavors, funds have been invested in research to develop advanced exploration capabilities. To enable the human mobility necessary to effectively explore NEA and deep space, a new extravehicular activity (EVA) Jetpack is under development at the Johnson Space Center. The new design leverages knowledge and experience gained from the current astronaut rescue device, the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER). Whereas the primary goal for a rescue device is to return the crew to a safe haven, in-space exploration and navigation requires an expanded set of capabilities. To accommodate the range of tasks astronauts may be expected to perform while utilizing the Jetpack, it was desired to offer a hands-free method of control. This paper describes the development and innovations involved in creating two hands-free control interfaces and an experimental test platform for a suited astronaut flying the Jetpack during an EVA.