The Use of Pressurized Garments in Space Analog Facilities and Studies

Many space analog stations and studies use unpressurized garments in EVA activities. These suits are often non-gas-tight coveralls paired with a bubble-type helmet supplied with standard atmospheric air from fans in an improvised backpack. Such arrangements are intended to add to the complexity and challenge of EVA such that the simulation is more realistic, incorporating the challenges of wearing garments that restrict movement and dexterity, demand radio communications and so on. While such efforts have been useful to date, there are good reasons to use affordable pressurized garments in these situations. This paper outlines the rationale for, logistics and operational issues of pressurized garment use in space analog stations and studies, providing some examples, preliminary test data and commentary on the philosophy of EVA activities.