Draper

Draper has an update for the way astronauts get around in the near-vacuum of space, one intended to keep astronauts stabilized outside their spacecraft. By repurposing parts used in spacecraft control, Draper thinks it can make for safer EVAs and bring Manned Maneuvering Unit technology up to date. (Maybe they can help rename it Crewed Maneuvering Unit?)

The control momentum gyroscope-based technology is usually more associated with attitude control in spacecraft, helping shuttles and other craft stabilize in the microgravity environment. It was recently tested on a parabolic plane, as seen in the above video.

"The testing aboard the parabolic flight was the first hardware demonstration, which gave us additional confidence in system performance in an actual microgravity environment that CMGs can be used in the future to help keep astronauts stable while operating in space," Draper engineer Michele Carpenter said in an email. "We would like to continuing testing the CMGs on microgravity flights, and potentially aboard the ISS, as we refine the technology and fine tune the system design."

Many EVAs are tethered to the craft to help stabilize astronauts more and prevent them from floating away. Though MMUs have been tested in space, they've never seen extensive use. Partly, that comes from difficulties in control – something the CMG approach hopes to rectify. They provide a stabilizing torque for the astronauts to enable swifter EVA maneuvering.

Draper is working on making the CMGs a smaller size so they can be used in "jetpack" units. It could make working in space one step easier – and prevent anyone from losing a spatula.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io