Z-1 Prototype Space Suit Testing Summary

The Advanced Space Suit team of the NASA Johnson Space Center performed a series of tests with the Z-1 prototype space suit in 2012. This paper discusses, at a summary level, the tests performed and the results from those tests. The purpose of the tests was to characterize the suit performance so that the data could be used in the downselection of components for the Z-2 Space Suit. Tests performed included isolated and functional range of motion data capture, Z-1 waist and hip testing, joint torque testing, carbon dioxide washout testing, delta pressure suitport tests including pressurized suit don and doff, and gross mobility and suitport ingress and egress demonstrations in reduced gravity. Lessons learned specific to the Z-1 prototype and to suit testing techniques are presented.