SPACEPORT SIMULATED SPACE SUIT CHALLENGE

SPACEPORT SIMULATED SPACE SUIT CHALLENGE
Rational or Purpose: 1) for the students to consider properties/characteristics of space suits and the
implications of design on future mission success. (i.e.: temperature control, pressurized systems, oxygen
supply system, comfort, durability, functionality, etc.). 2) to use these as rationale for a unique spacesuit
design that can be made into a prototype, tested and then manufactured for the space industry. This
Challenge will help students develop both hard and soft skills as they discuss and compare concepts,
formulate their ideas, and learn to integrate a technology. (See links in Resources). Creativity is
promoted in the design process, and in the use of recyclable/reusable supplies used for construction
materials. Additionally, the supporting documentation required in the Challenge will support the
rationale behind their new design choices for future space missions and will help mature the concepts
process into a tangible product. Modifications to existing space suit designs currently used by the
commercial space industry can be large and complex (putting the suit into space) or simple (designed to
conceptualize next generation suits). This Challenge is intended for students from grades 4-12, college,
industry partners and families who want to demonstrate conceptual, suit examples and simulations.
While the suits are not expected to “function” they should demonstrate “functionality” and how
potential applications would improve suit capability and dependability. Student artifacts created by the
winning teams would be placed on display in the new Spaceport Exploration Center opening in 2020!

Background: Spacesuits protect astronauts from the hazards of space and have gone through
considerable changes throughout the history of man’s space exploration. In space, there is no oxygen for
respiration, there is little or no air pressure, and there are extreme changes in temperature (from -100˚C
to 120˚C), just to name a few of the variables that spacesuit engineers face. Spacesuits also have to be
designed to allow for movement and function for the astronauts who need mobility for space station
repairs, etc.

Developing new designs requires a team approach to address the many challenges the suit will face in a
space environment. Suits are a custom application and a fitted to the person. They act as the personal
spacecraft because they are required to perform like a spacecraft. They maintain an atmosphere, keep a
constant livable temperature, monitor life functions, etc. The success of many activities in space depend
on the dependability and capability of the suit.

Teams can enter in one of four categories:

            1. Elementary/High School Teams: A team may enter in the school category if the team
               members consist of students in grades 4-12. Each team may have adult mentors or
               coaches who can guide activities. The mentors or coaches cannot be contributing
               writers on any papers submitted by the teams. Students must be actively attending
               public, private or home schools. Student members for each team must be in the same
               grade level. In other words, if the team is the Robert Smith Elementary School 4th grade
               Challenge Team, all students on the team must be 4th grade students.

            2. College/University Teams: A team may enter this category if they are actively enrolled
               and attending classes for the semester in which the team registers. Students may
               register teams in both undergraduate and graduate categories but all team members
               must be of the same program (all undergraduate or all graduate). Faculty advisors or
               teachers may act as team mentors or coaches but cannot contribute any writing on
               white papers or other supporting documents.

            3. Industry/Business/Community Teams: A team may enter in this category if the team is
               formed by employees/managers/owners of an industry/business or community leaders
               in organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rotary, Kiwanis etc. Each Industry or
               Business team can have team leaders that can contribute writings to documents, white
               papers or publications. Team leaders are considered team members and any leadership
               roles are internal to the team and not recognized by judges or evaluators. Community
               teams may have mentors/coaches but they cannot contribute to papers as writers if the
               team is formed as a youth team and therefore generally considered to act like a
               category 1 or 2 type team.

            4. Family Teams: A team may enter in this category if the team is formed by a family and
               not associated with a business, industry, university, college or school. Team members
               are selected by the team and can consist of any family member or non-family member
               not otherwise associated with any other team category. Any member of the team is
               allowed to contribute writing to any documents including white papers, publications or
               other documents. Multiple families may collaborate on a single team but count only as a
               single team entry.

Materials needed: (amount varies depending on team’s choice of design)

        • Computer with internet access, books, and other materials for space research

        • Picture of current space suit designs and research data relative to commercial space needs

        • Recyclable/reusable materials (metals, cloth, plastic, glass, fiberglass, etc.)

        • Poster or paper for design of sales pitch and any supporting white papers.

Scoring/Evaluation of Processes:

Each team will be scored on 4 critical components that are equally weighted. A total of 100 points are
possible in each component. Each category is judged using criteria suitable for age and class. Judges
have sole and final authority for all points assigned to each team. The judges’ results and scores are final
and no appeals to scores or comments are available to teams. Any awards of prizes (either cash or
products) are final. No duplicate awards or prizes will be considered. In the event of a tie, Judges will
hold a formal interview with the teams in order to judge the team’s depth of knowledge and research.
The judges will base the results of the interview and make a final decision and award the winner based
on those results.

Component #1: Knowledge of History of Space Suit Design in United States (Written Submission)

The United States has a rich and long history of space flight. In order to understand what has been done
to improve space suit design, it is important to understand how we got to today’s designs. Each team
should have a demonstrable understanding of space suits over time. There are plenty of resources that
can educate teams about materials selections, manufacturers, test data, etc. Judges will want to see
what research was done by the team as part of a written submission entitled “History of the American
Space Suit”. If your team can demonstrate a clear understanding of history of design and its impact on
individuals and the space program the team should score well on this component (assuming the written
submission is clear, concise and accurate).

Component #2: Level of Logic and Rationale used in creation of Concept Design (Written Submission)

Each team will be judged on the rationale and level of logic used to create a concept (prototype) for
submission. In other words, did the team consider the human aspect of suit design including
functionality, comfort, range of motion, etc.? Designing a space suite that would not allow the Astronaut
to walk or bend over would create challenges that have already been overcome by earlier designs.
However, a design that introduces new concepts or rationale for materials that better protect the
Astronaut from radiation or extreme cold would have considerable benefit to crew members. Each team
should be able to demonstrate how it arrived at a decision to use certain materials or technology. This
written submission should validate the team’s decision process and implementation.

Component #3: Quality of Concept (prototype) Construction and Demonstration

It is said…The proof is in the pudding! The prototype space suit is your team’s ultimate and tangible
submission. This is what the judges have been waiting to see. Once you have donned your space suit the
judges will look at fit, form or function. One of your team members will become a model for a while as
all of your hard work is on display. Judges will ask you to perform tasks while suited up to see if your
design is as functional and durable as necessary for a voyage into space.

Component #4: Commercialization (Oral Presentation)

Once a suit is designed and tested, the final step is getting it into the commercialization phase. In other
words, it needs to be made available for purchase by Spaceports or other launch companies. What is
your team’s plan to commercialize your new suit? Would that include marketing materials? How would
you demonstrate to prospective buyers? How would you select a company to manufacture your suit?
Your commercialization plan will demonstrate how you take your suit to market. Judges will base your
score in this component based on your plan and execution.

Deadlines:

April 19th 2019         written submissions are due for Judges Reviews.

May 3rd 2019            Scheduled oral presentations will begin for teams

Communications/Announcements:

All Challenge announcements, schedules and other communications will be posted on the Spaceport
Exploration Center website (www.usspacecenter.org). Teams are encouraged to refer to the site
frequently for any updates. On or about May 3rd, the schedule of oral presentations will be posted.
Please be sure to check your date and time and arrive promptly for your presentation. Presentations will
be limited to 30 minutes per team and all supporting documentation must be submitted by the April
deadline in order to make oral presentations. NO ORAL PRESENTATIONS WILL BE SCHEDULED IF
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS ARE NOT RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE.

Resources: ***Technology Component***:

Check out the clickable space suit and learn about the different parts of a spacesuit and take a look at
spacesuits of the future!

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/spacesuits/home/clickable_suit.html

http://web.mit.edu/16.00/www/aec/spacesuit.html