Multi-Objective Optimization Approaches in Spacesuit Design

In this paper, we use a multidisciplinary spacesuit model developed in a companion paper and an N-Branch Tournament Genetic Algorithm to optimize spacesuit designs for a Mars environment. The spacesuit design is optimized to minimize mass, stowage volume, and pre-breathe time prior to a spacewalk, and to maximize spacesuit mobility. These four objectives represent the primary measures of utility for a spacesuit design. This paper describes both a framework and process for spacesuit optimization, and demonstrates a new multi-objective visualization method for this four-objective design challenge. We discuss the preliminary optimization results as they relate to spacesuit design considerations. This initial investigation suggests that the power and CO2 removal technologies have little impact on the spacesuit architecture, whereas suit hardness and suit pressure have a far greater impact. Often suit pressure and hardness are determined at the beginning of the design eort and these early choices greatly influence the overall characteristics of the spacesuit. These results should be useful in the design of the next generation of spacesuits.