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MoonSkin? Mechanical Counter-Pressure Suit (Day 02)
by Moonbase Team 
MoonSkin? Mechanical Counter-Pressure Suit (Day 02)
Principal Investigator: William Fung-Schwarz
Crew Health & Safety Officer, Human Factors Research Lead
William Fung-Schwarz, was2@utah.edu
Observations:
Today I wore the MoonSkin MCP suit for the first time. The suit specifications are included in this report. Donning of the suit was incredibly easy. I substituted a modified knit cap for a neck warmer and substituted this for the full head MCP hood. The air unit, radio, and other equipment were stored in a traditional waist bag (see photos). Hydration unit tubes and air tubes fit comfortably into the protective helmet. The air unit was run in intermittent burst (mostly due to the fact that the system is so loud). Intermittent use was not sufficient to prevent fogging of inside of helmet. I consumed 2 liters of water during the 1.5 hour excursion. Sweating was a small issue, only light undergarments were worn beneath the MoonSkin MCP. Elastic neoprene socks allowed for copious pedal perspiration. A shower after the EVA/Surface Excursion was a very welcome way to end the trial run.
http://w3.marsstuff.com/media/mdrs/fs05/images/crew45/c45d02eva07.jpg
Project Goals:
1. Create a realistic analogue simulation of a Mechanical Counter-Pressure (MCP) suit [first described by: Webb (1967, 1968); Annis & Webb (1971); Hargens et al. (1987); Aratow et al. (1993)] and currently being developed by F.A. Korona and D.L. Akin (at the University of Maryland) and Dava Newman (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
2. Collect descriptive and subjective data from 1-2 users of the
MoonSkin MCP about comfort, utility of manual dexterity, and temperature of suit.
Suit Description
1. Body: Mens 3/2mm Tilos Titanium Skin Chest Full Suit Jumpsuit Wetsuit (Model #J3020, size 3XL)
2. Hood: Standard/Unisex 6/3 Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Water Sports Hood w/Vent (Model #H6010BK, size XL)
3. Inner Footwear: NRS HydroSkin? Neoprene Socks (Black, Large, Item 722203)
4. Outer Footwear: La Sportiva Latok (TRK) Boots (US size 12)
5. Hydration: Camel Pack Rogue (70 oz/2 litres, Item 720121)
6. Protection: Black Diamond Bod Climbing Harness (size XL)
7. Helmet: BMW/Shoei RF-1000 Helmet (large, with clear visor)
8. Forced Air Apparatus/Ventilation: Coleman Quickpump Rechargeable (Model 5999C400)
Estimated Suit Cost
1. Body: $67.99 (purchased from all3sports.com)
2. Hood: $19.95 (purchased from all3sports.com)
3. Inner Footwear: $33.00 (purchased from REI)
4. Outer Footwear: 250.00 (purchased from Campmor.com)
5. Hydration: $45.00 (purchased from REI)
6. Protection: $60.00 (purchased from Black Diamond)
7. Helmet: (borrowed) estimated cost $200.00
8. Ventilation: $32.00 (purchased from Gart Sports)
Future Upgrades
1. Helmet: Reevu Rear-view mirro helmet (http://www.reevu.com/)
2. Ventilation: 3MT Belt-Mounted Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) GVP-Series
02/27/06 11:21:11 pm, 
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