NASA MICRO-G NEXT 2019
THE SPECIALIZED TOOL FOR ASTRONAUT RECORDING (STAR)
NASA Micro-g NExT is a program designed to provide undergraduate students with experience designing, building, and testing hardware intended for use by astronauts. The STAR is designed to allow astronauts on EVA outside the ISS to mount a GoPro to 3 common EVA interfaces: the ISS Handrail, CETA, and Truss. The astronaut is able to mount the STAR securely to any of the 3 interfaces and record themselves using the GoPro on a flexible ball stack. The STAR fills a gap in EVA videography that allows for up-close third person recording which can provide unique perspectives on EVA worksites.
STAR FEATURES
The STAR was designed from the ground up for use by astronauts on EVA outside the ISS. It is compact in size yet still comfortable to use while wearing spacesuit gloves. It is easy to use: simply depress the side buttons to put the STAR into the locked or unlocked position.
COMPACT AND VERSATILE
Only 11" x 4" x 3.5" with reversible sides
SELF CLOSING AND LOCKING
Spring loaded mechanism for automated clamping, and two-position locking
ASTRONAUT FRIENDLY
1" diameter tether points and rounded edges
ASTRONAUT TESTED
In May 2019 STAR was tested in NASA's NBL by Astronaut Victor Glover in his EMU spacesuit. I presented the STAR's Technical Readiness Review which was reviewed by NASA safety engineers and approved for testing. I provided Glover with a brief training session prior to his testing. Glover commented on the ease of use of STAR and his ability use the device with one hand.
REAL TIME OPERATIONS
Direct instruction to astronaut for live testing from the NBL mission control room
PRESSURIZED EMU SPACESUIT
Most accurate simulation of EVA with functional spacesuit and mini workstation for tools
END USER FEEDBACK
Direct feedback from a user who the STAR was designed for provided best feedback
LESSONS LEARNED
The STAR was a break-out moment for me as an engineer and operations specialist. I was able to apply my knowledge of astronauts and spacesuits to the design of a system for the first time. I was introduced to NASA design requirements, 3D printing, CAD, technical writing, hazard analysis, operations planning, and live operations all under one project. As the team leader I also learned how to be resourceful by seeking funds and resources to best enable my team to meet our objectives. After talking with NASA engineers and astronauts, I learned more detail on how to best design hardware that is used by crewmembers on EVA. See this project in action in the videos I produced below.
GALLERY
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