Conformal Space Suit Antenna Development for Enhanced EVA Communications and Wearable Computer Applications

As NASA prepares for future space missions and the return to the moon by 2020, astronauts will be required to spend more time exposed to the hazards of performing Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA). Providing and maintaining reliable communications and overall information transfer is imperative during EVA operations not only to relay progress during the task but also to monitor the health and ability of the astronaut to perform in hazardous environments. Therefore, in order to improve astronaut mobility and primarily space to space communications, Applied EM, Inc. is proposing conformal, body-worn antennas that will be integrated into space suit designs to enhance EVA operations. In addition, antenna designs for wireless RF telemetry will be developed to enable the use of wearable computers for astronaut space operations. Recognizing the increased EVA operations anticipated for future missions, NASA has been studying and testing new space suit designs in efforts to improve the astronaut's ability to move his or her body while wearing the space suit and to carry out EVA tasks as efficiently and safely as possible. These new antenna designs will be developed to be compatible with the new suit designs.