Advanced EVA Helmet Assembly

This document describes the collaborative work performed by Air-Lock, Incorporated and David Clark Company Incorporated to further the design and certification efforts of an Advanced Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Helmet Assembly. The information relayed in this report combines work performed under a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 contract, Constellation Space Suit System (CSSS) pre-PDR development work and Air-Lock Independent Research and Development (IRAD). The recommended Helmet Assembly combines proven EVA Helmet technologies with design enhancements based on past EMU lessons learned; ultimately configured to a 13 inch Hemispherical Helmet architecture. This design approach is geared towards upfront development through certification and life cycle cost reductions. Development costs and schedule reductions should be attainable by maximizing certification by analysis/similarity efforts due to a large reuse of proven EVA Helmet technologies. Life Cycle costs should be reduced by the design enhancements detailed in this report which focus on improved On-Orbit Replacable Unit (ORU) capability, reduced processing time and maximized operational life of the Helmet components.