Description of Driving Event:
New Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Research and Development Required for Future Exploration Missions Due to Obsolescence and Supportability of Current Design
Lesson(s) Learned:
The current EMU is adequate for the near-term needs of the ISS and the Space Shuttle, but its obsolescent technology, high cost, and other limitations make it unsuitable for future exploration and development of deep space.
Recommendation(s):
Initiate a high priority program to design and develop a next generation space suit.
Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:
Code M - Concur: The EVA project office has reviewed the FY2000 report from the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) and concurs with recommendation to initiate a next generation space suit. The EVA office has been actively involved for several years in supporting and providing focus for the needed advances in suit related technologies to position the Agency for the next generation EVA system (space suit). The next generation space suit will address the issues in the finding, such as lowering the per unit and operational costs and allowing for utilization of the suits for the NASA's exploration mission scenarios. The next generation suit program has been delayed due to lack of sufficient funding.
Documents Related to Lesson:
N/A
Mission Directorate(s):
- Space Operations
- Exploration Systems
Additional Key Phrase(s):
- Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
- Extra-Vehicular Activity
- Financial Management
- Flight Equipment
- Human Factors
- Logistics
- Research & Development
- Risk Management/Assessment
Additional Info:
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