NASA Technical Soft Goods Accessories
Supporting the Suits Hardware Team by designing, prototyping, and fabricating soft goods accessories for spacesuit components during testing.
• Soft Goods, Pattern Development (2D & 3D), CAD, Materials Research, Rapid Prototyping, User Testing
• Industrial Sewing Machine, Rhino 3D, Technical Drawing
Ongoing
Hardware Team under the Advanced Suit Team (AST) @ NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC)
MWC (Multiple Water Connector) Protective Sleeve
A protective sleeve designed to shield the spacesuit from metal shavings caused by the MWC hardware during installation and testing. Fabricated for rapid on-and-off deployment by the suited test subject.
Materials: Neoprene, Kevlar®, Vectran®, Nomex® Thread
Key Features: Elastic Neoprene conforms to the MWC connector for a secure and repeatable fit. Kevlar® webbing provides structural strength and high-visibility color detection within the suit environment. Vectran® inner lining delivers puncture and abrasion resistance against the metal tab at the center of the MWC connector.
xPGS (Exploration Pressure Garment Subsystem) Chest Padding:
A custom-shaped chest padding designed to cushion the subject's front shoulders against the suit's shoulder bearings during forward movement. Fabricated to protect the sternum and create clearance from the bearing interface while fitting over the existing drink bag assembly.
Materials: Teflon®, Nylon Mesh, VELCRO®
Key Features: Contoured padding profile cushions the sternum and redirects shoulder contact away from the bearing. Teflon® outer surface reduces friction against suit components during movement. Nylon Mesh backing allows different foam thickness by expanding. VELCRO® attachment provides quick installation and removal over the drink bag without tools.
ExCon GTU (Exploration Concepts of Operations, Ground Test Unit)- Neck and Brief Padding:
Custom padding system designed for long-duration seated testing in the lunar rover. Fabricated both neck and brief padding to protect the crew member against impact and pressure while navigating rocky terrain.
Materials: Teflon®, Nylon Mesh, VELCRO®, Foam
Key Features: Neck padding provides impact protection against head injury during rover operation over rocky terrain. Brief padding distributes pressure evenly for long-duration seated comfort inside the rover. Teflon® outer surface reduces friction against suit components during movement and provides a smooth surface for the face. VELCRO® attachment allows quick, customizable, and tool-free installation and removal. Foam construction provides cushioning and lightweight properties within the suit system.