As the integrated audio system is part of the actual space suit, there are no additional parts to worry about maintaining. The new integrated audio system solves many of the issues the CCA presents. The HATSMAN has an electronic 'mouth' and 'ears.' Image Credit: NASA The test rig for testing the Integrated Audio system includes a HATSMAN-Head and Torso Simulator. "The integrated audio system is where the microphones and earphones are removed from the Communications Carrier Assembly and integrated into the structure of the space suit itself," says Obed "Scott" Sands, an electronics engineer at Glenn, lead for Configuration II Audio under Constellation and lead for integrated audio development for the Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP). Together, they began developing and testing an integrated audio system that is built directly into a space helmet. In 2008, Glenn signed a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) agreement with WeVoice Inc. About six years ago, teams at Glenn began working on integrated audio solutions to support extravehicular activities, like space walks. An additional problem is that astronaut sweat can negatively interfere with the performance of the electrical and mechanical parts in the CCA.įor several years, Glenn has performed research and development on a variety of communications technologies. The boom microphones can also interfere with feeding and drinking mechanisms during long-duration spacewalks. The caps cannot be adjusted once the visor of the helmet is in place and the astronaut is in space, which means that if the microphones shift, communication quality can decrease. Multiple cap sizes must be available due to the difference in astronauts' head sizes. The Communications Carrier Assembly (CCA), while effective, has some logistical drawbacks. The Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) is involved with testing various proposed solutions to the communications requirements within the suit. NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is working on different parts of the new space suit, including communications equipment. Redesigned and reinvented communications equipment will be an important facet of the new suit. NASA is in the process of completely redesigning their space suits, with the goal of creating a brand new space suit to be used starting in 2020.
These caps are worn under the helmet and visor that surround an astronaut's head.Ī new Integrated Audio system, which enables astronauts to communicate in space, is being tested at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland in a test rig. While wearing the current space suits, astronauts wear a Communications Carrier Assembly (CCA), or "Snoopy Cap" - a fabric hat fitted with microphones in the ear area for listening and boom microphones in front of the mouth for speaking.
While inside these pressurized suits, it's essential that they remain in constant communication with the rest of the crew in space as well as Mission Control Center on Earth. It does not store any personal data.When astronauts venture outside of a spaceship or the International Space Station, they must wear protective space suits to keep them safe from the harsh environment of space. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
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