17A-07 Thermal Testing

The Thermal Testing test is directed by the test leader Christiaan van Ommeren. The thermal testing contains different sections. Firstly the head and cold resistance of the suit are tested. Also tests with the open PLSS (portable life support system) are being taken. Furthermore tests with physical exercises have to be done by the analog astronaut (wearing the suit) under different circumstances. The temperatures of the range between -110° and +35° Celsius. Potential hazards within the tests are condensation, cracking due to thermal contraction/expansion, under-cooling and fire. The thermal test involves seven Subtests (A-G).

Subtest A: The PLSS is tested at a temperature of -10° Celsius (both, open and closed). The temperature of the helmet and the PLSS are checked. As well as the communication system and the sensor functionality. The minimal needed fan speed is measured. Subtest A has a duration of approx. 8 minutes.

Subtest B: Same procedure as in Subtest A except the temperature is set to -50° Celsius. Subtest B has a duration of approx. 8 minutes.

Subtest C: Same procedure as in Subtest A except the temperature is set to -110° Celsius. Subtest C has a duration of approx. 8 minutes.

Subtest D: This test serves to the warm up the suit again for the Analog Astronaut. From -110° Celsius the suit is first transported to -50° then to -10° Celsius and finally out of the chambers (20° Celsius, room temperature). Also this test is used to evaluate possible micro fractures on the visor, metals or textile tissues. Furthermore the communication system and the sensor functionality are checked. This test has a duration of approx. 47 minutes.

Subtest E: This test contains physical exercises of the Analog Astronaut at a temperature of 25° Celsius. Such as low energy (standing), medium energy (walking) and high energy (pick up something and put it back and repeat). During the test, helmet temperature and humidity are checked continuously. This test has a duration of approx. 19 minutes.

Subtest F: Same procedure as in Subtest E except the temperature is set to 30° Celsius. Physical exercises such as low energy (standing), medium energy (walking) and high energy (pick up something and put it back and repeat). During the test, helmet temperature and humidity are checked continuously. This test has a duration of approx. 19 minutes.

Subtest G: Same procedure as in Subtest E except the temperature is set to 35° Celsius. Physical exercises such as low energy (standing), medium energy (walking) and high energy (pick up something and put it back and repeat). During the test, helmet temperature and humidity are checked continuously. This test has a duration of approx. 19 minutes.

Experimental Results