Designing Revolutionary Gloves and Boots for NASA: Conquering the Moon’s Harsh Cold

NASA is gearing up for exciting new missions to the Moon, but this time it will be much colder than the famous Apollo program. The agency is focused on keeping its astronauts warm as they explore the permanently shadowed areas of the lunar south pole.

To achieve this, a team of engineers is testing new spacesuit designs in a special facility called CITADEL, which stands for Cryogenic Ice Testing, Acquisition Development, and Excavation Laboratory. Located at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, CITADEL is normally used for testing robotic parts but is now crucial for human spaceflight as we prepare to return to the Moon.

"Understanding the risks for astronauts in these cold areas is vital," says Zach Fester, an engineer at NASA. He highlights that gloves and boots, which sit in contact with cold surfaces, are critical for astronaut safety.

CITADEL can cool items to -370°F (-223°C) using compressed helium instead of the more common liquid nitrogen. This chamber takes a few days to reach these extreme temperatures. To keep the tests efficient, it has four load locks, which let engineers insert materials without losing that chilly environment.

The tests will mimic Moon conditions by incorporating lunar-like materials and holding aluminum blocks that simulate tools astronauts might use. In the past, NASA astronauts had to use their own hands to test gloves in a cold glove box. Now, they have a specially designed mannequin that mimics human extremities. This mannequin has fluid loops that imitate blood flow and numerous sensors to gather temperature data.

NASA’s upcoming Artemis 3 mission, set for 2027, aims to land astronauts at the lunar south pole for the first time since Apollo. While Apollo missions explored the Moon’s equatorial regions, Artemis will explore the south pole, which may contain ice and other resources. However, this area is harsh. Temperatures can plummet to a bone-chilling -414°F (-248°C).

To prepare for these extreme conditions, NASA has partnered with Axiom Space to create a new moonwalking spacesuit called the AxEMU, or Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit. This modern suit aims to offer better mobility and protection, incorporating lessons learned from the Apollo suits. Axiom even teamed up with fashion brand Prada to enhance the suit’s design.

Testing is ongoing to ensure these suits can handle lunar conditions. The gloves currently in testing are the sixth version of a design that dates back to the 1980s. Early tests in CITADEL showed that these gloves might not meet the necessary thermal standards for the lunar south pole, a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.

Shane McFarland from NASA emphasized the importance of these tests, saying they aim to discover how long these gloves and boots can last in the harsh lunar environment. This vital information will guide future designs and help NASA’s suit vendor create a functional and safe experience for astronauts.

The excitement around the Artemis 3 mission represents a milestone in lunar exploration. As we prepare for this journey and face the challenges of extreme cold, it’s clear that innovation and technology play crucial roles in keeping our astronauts safe on the Moon.

For more insights into NASA’s space exploration efforts, you can visit NASA’s official website.

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Artemis,astronaut health,NASA,the moon