In addition to laboratory versions of the testing apparatus described
in the Teacher Tech Briefs, NASA spacesuit engineers also employ the apparatus
shown on this page.
Mechanical Boot Tester Checks
boot performance with a walking motion.
Bearing Tester Bearings and other joints
are subjected to simulated lunar sediment to find out if the sediment
degrades their performance. The wrist bearing inside the unit is rotated
as simulated lunar sediment is poured over it. The white device in
the tester is a windshield wiper motor that rotates the bearing
Spacesuit Robot The forces
required to move suit arms and legs when the suit is pressurized are
measured with this specialized robot. The robot is placed inside a
suit. A gasket seals the neck of the suit. The suit is then pressurized
through the robot's "head." Joints in the arm and leg of
the black side of the robot are bent on command and the forces are
measured. The white side of the robot is non-functioning. Only one
side of the robot is needed for data and the white side serves only
as balance.
Sleeve and Leg Tester Inflated segments
of sleeves and legs are bent repeatedly by this device.
<- Waist Bearing Tester The waist
bearing is placed through a series of bends by this device.
