NASA is currently seeking upgrades for the current extra-vehicular mobility unit (EMU). The water connector for the liquid cooling and ventilation garment (LCVG) has been shown to be a point of potential failures for the exploration space suit. Mainstream proposes to develop an upgraded water connector that eliminates leakage, performs over long-term cycling, and maintains strict water quality levels. In Phase I, Mainstream will design, prototype, and test an upgraded LCVG water connector, and will perform water contaminant studies. In Phase II, Mainstream will finalize the manufacturing technique and perform all reliability, life, and space-readiness tests.
The proposed research is targeted at existing and next generation Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garments. Future missions will require demanding extra vehicular activities on the international space station, moon, and mars. Our technology mitigates the concern of leakage from the LCVG water loop connector, a primary design concern for the existing system.
Innovative liquid cooling garments are useful in any working environment where the worker is enclosed in a protective suit. One example use is with firefighting PPE. With this technology, firefighters will be able to face extreme conditions for longer periods of time. Other potential PPE commercial markets include hazmat cleanup crews, paint booth workers, automotive racing, and soldiers.