An elastic skin suit simulates gravitational loading. By selecting material(s) of appropriate dimensions and appropriate moduli of elasticity, and optionally integrating inelastic portions to maintain a desired surface distribution, the suit can be adapted to impose a loading regime that simulates the loading of terrestrial gravity in a more continuous, shoulder-to-ankle manner than current loading suits.

An elastic skin suit simulates gravitational loading. By selecting material(s) of appropriate dimensions and appropriate moduli of elasticity, and optionally integrating inelastic portions to maintain a desired surface distribution, the suit can be adapted to impose a loading regime that simulates the loading of terrestrial gravity in a more continuous, shoulder-to-ankle manner than current loading suits.

A system may include a space suit helmet. The space suit helmet may include a surface structure, an inner surface structure, and a waveguide display. The inner surface structure may be configured to maintain an oxygenated environment within an interior cavity of the space suit helmet, wherein a user is able to see through the inner surface structure and the surface structure. The waveguide display may be implemented at least one of in or on the space suit helmet. The waveguide display may include a waveguide and an optical system configured to project images at least through the waveguide to be displayed to the user.

A system may include a space suit helmet. The space suit helmet may include a surface structure, an inner surface structure, and a waveguide display. The inner surface structure may be configured to maintain an oxygenated environment within an interior cavity of the space suit helmet, wherein a user is able to see through the inner surface structure and the surface structure. The waveguide display may be implemented at least one of in or on the space suit helmet. The waveguide display may include a waveguide and an optical system configured to project images at least through the waveguide to be displayed to the user.

An evaporator includes a housing with a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, a hydrophobic membrane arranged within the housing fluidly coupling the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing, and a hydrophilic surface. The hydrophilic surface is arranged within the housing between the first end and the second end of the housing and is spaced apart from the hydrophobic membrane to draw liquid water away from the hydrophobic hollow fiber membrane. Spacesuits and environmental control methods are also described.

An evaporator includes a housing with a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, a hydrophobic membrane arranged within the housing fluidly coupling the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing, and a hydrophilic surface. The hydrophilic surface is arranged within the housing between the first end and the second end of the housing and is spaced apart from the hydrophobic membrane to draw liquid water away from the hydrophobic hollow fiber membrane. Spacesuits and environmental control methods are also described.

The compression augmented full-pressure suit system includes a garment configured to protect humans in low to zero atmospheric pressure environments while providing excellent mobility. The suit system includes a specialized compression garment worn over the entirety of the body, with a full pressure suit over that compression garment. The compression garment applies a percentage of the pressure on the human form required for protection in low atmosphere environments. The balance of the pressure that is required comes from pressurization of the full pressure suit. Use of both pressure application methods concurrently enables each component to be greatly simplified in comparison to their configuration when used individually, with the result being greater comfort and performance at a reduced cost.

The compression augmented full-pressure suit system includes a garment configured to protect humans in low to zero atmospheric pressure environments while providing excellent mobility. The suit system includes a specialized compression garment worn over the entirety of the body, with a full pressure suit over that compression garment. The compression garment applies a percentage of the pressure on the human form required for protection in low atmosphere environments. The balance of the pressure that is required comes from pressurization of the full pressure suit. Use of both pressure application methods concurrently enables each component to be greatly simplified in comparison to their configuration when used individually, with the result being greater comfort and performance at a reduced cost.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery circuit is disclosed that includes a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells includes at least one connected battery cell and at least one disconnected battery cell. A first switch is configured to disconnect a particular one of the at least one connected battery cells, and a second switch is configured to connect a particular one of the at least one disconnected battery cells. A controller is configured to control the first and second switches based on a detected condition in the particular connected battery cell.

A tactile feedback glove for use in an extravehicular activity (EVA) environment by an astronaut is described. The tactile feedback glove is formed by a glove having an outer layer, a second layer and inner bladder, wherein the inner bladder encloses a gas environment suitable for an astronaut's hand. A force sensor is attached to a fingertip of each finger of the glove on an inner surface of the outer layer to sense the pressure applied at the associated fingertip. A haptic feedback device is attached to the fingertip of each finger of the glove on an outer surface of the inner bladder. Each haptic feedback device is adjacent to each associated force sensor and positioned to provide tactile feedback for the associated finger. A visual feedback device is also attached to an outer surface of the outer layer of the glove in a visual field of the astronaut. A controller receives a signal from each force sensor indicative of the force applied by the wearer at the associated fingertip, and sends a feedback signal to drive each haptic feedback device and the visual feedback device to provide tactile and visual feedback to the wearer when the signal from one of the force sensors meets preprogrammed levels.