Date of Award

January 2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Space Studies

First Advisor

Pablo De Leon

Abstract

This novel pilot study evaluates the potential associated tools, methods, and concept of operations required for a Critical Contingency Extravehicular Activity (CCE) repair of a 3D-printed in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) Lunar and Martian habitat. With NASA’s current 2020 Technology Roadmap and Taxonomy for TX06: Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems (e.g. Extravehicular Activities, Habitation, Human Factors), TX07: Exploration Destination Systems (e.g. ISRU, Maintenance, Repair, Operations, Safety), TX12: Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing, and the Centennial 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge, this research will provide an initial evaluation of standard repair methods on the system’s functional abilities, environmental, and human factors on an potential CCE (Miranda, 2019). By evaluating our history, resources, and lessons learned from of our terrestrial infrastructures, the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) can direct the space program through a capability-driven approach and address some of NASA’s Human Research Program EVA Risks and Lunar & Martian Strategic Knowledge Gaps (Stuster, 2018). Results showed that all five terrestrial repair methods (RM) were plausible solutions. RM2-5 were rated from acceptable to totally acceptable with minor improvements required. Only RM1 was rated borderline with improvements warranted. For RM2-5, test subject feedback indicated minor improvements in training and ergonomics of tool systems with a spacesuit. Additionally, test subjects were in support for future development of these habitat repair evaluations with the recommendations for spacesuit human factors consideration.

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