The Single Person Spacecraft (SPS) is an innovative spacecraft under development by Genesis Engineering Solutions that aims to transform how astronauts conduct extravehicular activities (EVAs) in space. Instead of donning a bulky spacesuit, an astronaut would enter a small, personalized spacecraft to perform tasks outside the space station or explore near-Earth objects. The SPS offers numerous advantages over traditional spacesuits and is poised to usher in a new era of space exploration.
Overview of the Single Person Spacecraft
The SPS is a compact spacecraft designed to accommodate one crew member. It provides a “shirt-sleeve” environment, meaning the astronaut does not need to wear a spacesuit inside. The spacecraft uses the same atmosphere as the host vehicle, such as the International Space Station, allowing immediate access to space without the need for pre-breathing or an airlock.
Key features of the SPS include:
- Designed for servicing and exploration of the ISS, near-Earth objects, and satellites
- Can be piloted by the astronaut or tele-operated remotely
- Integral propulsion system enables rapid transport to the work site
- Accommodates crew members of all sizes
- Conventional displays and controls for operating the spacecraft
The SPS aims to address the challenges and limitations of current EVA operations that require a spacesuit. By providing a spacecraft alternative, it expands the possibilities for in-space activities.
Advantages Over Traditional Spacesuits
Conducting an EVA in a spacesuit presents several inherent challenges that the SPS seeks to mitigate. Spacesuits are bulky, constrain mobility, and require lengthy preparation time. The SPS offers multiple advantages:
- Rapid access to space: With the SPS, an astronaut can enter the spacecraft and begin the EVA immediately, without needing to pre-breathe or wait for an airlock cycle. This saves valuable time and allows for quicker response to unplanned events.
- Enhanced mobility and dexterity: Inside the pressurized SPS, astronauts can move freely without the constraints of a spacesuit. They have access to highly dexterous robotic arms for performing tasks, providing more precision and control compared to spacesuit gloves.
- Reduced risk of decompression sickness: The SPS eliminates the risk of astronauts getting the “bends” (decompression sickness), a serious condition caused by nitrogen bubbles forming in the blood due to rapid pressure changes. By maintaining a consistent pressure environment, the SPS keeps astronauts safer.
- Extended EVA duration: Spacesuits limit EVA time due to consumables like oxygen and power. The SPS can potentially support longer-duration EVAs, giving astronauts more time to complete complex tasks or exploration objectives.
- Improved work efficiency: With the SPS’s propulsion system, astronauts can fly directly to the work site instead of translating hand-over-hand. This saves time and energy, allowing astronauts to accomplish more during an EVA.
The SPS’s advantages make it an attractive option for future space missions that require extensive EVA capabilities, such as servicing satellites, assembling large structures, or exploring the lunar surface.
Design and Testing
Genesis Engineering Solutions has been actively developing and testing the SPS to validate its design and capabilities. In February 2018, the company conducted an underwater “fit” test where scuba-diving volunteers of different heights and weights entered a prototype SPS immersed in a pool. This test demonstrated the spacecraft’s ability to accommodate a range of human body types.
The SPS crew enclosure has also undergone neutral buoyancy testing to evaluate its performance in simulated microgravity. These tests help refine the design and identify areas for improvement.
Upcoming milestones in the SPS development include:
- Ground-based propulsion thruster tests to certify the custom-made thrusters
- Testing of the robotic manipulator system in partnership with SRI International, known for their sensitive robotics technology
The SPS team is rigorously testing and validating each subsystem to ensure the spacecraft meets the necessary safety and performance requirements for human spaceflight.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Genesis Engineering Solutions is collaborating with several organizations to develop the SPS and its various subsystems. These partnerships bring together expertise from different fields to create a robust and capable spacecraft.
Some of the key collaborations include:
- AMRO (El Monte, CA): Providing engineering support
- United Space and Rocket Center (Huntsville, AL): Assisting with testing and validation
- SRI International (Menlo Park, CA): Developing the robotic manipulator system
- Paragon Space Development Corporation (Tucson, AZ): Providing life support systems
- Sierra Nevada Corporation Space Systems: Potential launch partner for flight testing
By leveraging the strengths of these partners, Genesis Engineering Solutions is accelerating the development of the SPS and ensuring its systems are reliable and flight-ready.
Future Applications and Missions
The Single Person Spacecraft has the potential to revolutionize EVA operations and enable new types of space missions. Some of the envisioned applications include:
International Space Station Servicing
The SPS could greatly enhance the efficiency and safety of EVAs conducted to maintain and repair the International Space Station. Astronauts could rapidly respond to any issues that arise, without the need for time-consuming spacesuit preparations. The spacecraft’s advanced robotic arms would allow for more precise and dexterous work on the station’s exterior.
Satellite Servicing
With the increasing number of satellites in orbit, there is a growing need for on-orbit servicing capabilities. The SPS could be used to inspect, repair, and refuel satellites, extending their lifetimes and reducing space debris. The spacecraft’s propulsion system would enable astronauts to efficiently navigate between multiple satellites during a single EVA.
Exploration of Near-Earth Objects
The SPS could play a crucial role in the exploration of near-Earth objects, such as asteroids and comets. Astronauts could use the spacecraft to collect samples, deploy scientific instruments, and conduct detailed surveys of these objects. The SPS’s mobility and dexterity would be invaluable for navigating the complex and unpredictable surfaces of these celestial bodies.
Lunar Surface Operations
As NASA and other space agencies prepare to return humans to the Moon, the SPS could be adapted for lunar surface operations. Astronauts could use the spacecraft to explore larger areas of the lunar surface, transport equipment and samples, and construct habitats and infrastructure. The SPS’s pressurized environment would provide a safe haven for astronauts during extended lunar missions.
Mars Exploration
Looking further into the future, the SPS concept could be extended to support human missions to Mars. The spacecraft could serve as a personal exploration vehicle for astronauts, allowing them to traverse the Martian landscape and conduct scientific investigations. The SPS’s life support systems and radiation shielding would be critical for protecting astronauts during long-duration Mars EVAs.
Challenges and Future Development
While the Single Person Spacecraft offers numerous benefits, there are still challenges to overcome before it can be fully realized. Some of the key challenges include:
- Launch and deployment: The SPS will need to be launched into space and deployed in a way that does not interfere with other spacecraft or the space station. Ensuring safe separation and trajectory is crucial.
- Propulsion system: Developing a reliable and efficient propulsion system for the SPS is essential for its mobility and maneuverability. The custom-made thrusters must undergo rigorous testing and certification.
- Life support systems: The SPS must provide a safe and comfortable environment for the astronaut during EVAs. Robust life support systems, including air revitalization, temperature control, and radiation shielding, are critical.
- Human factors: The spacecraft’s interior must be designed to accommodate a wide range of human body types and provide intuitive controls for operating the spacecraft and its robotic arms. Ensuring crew comfort and performance is paramount.
Genesis Engineering Solutions is working to address these challenges and refine the SPS design. Ongoing testing, simulations, and collaborations with partners are helping to advance the spacecraft’s development.
Summary
The Single Person Spacecraft represents a significant leap forward in EVA capabilities and has the potential to transform how astronauts live and work in space. By providing a safer, more efficient, and more versatile alternative to spacesuits, the SPS opens up new possibilities for space exploration and utilization.
As development of the SPS progresses, it is clear that this innovative spacecraft could play a crucial role in future space missions. From servicing the International Space Station to exploring near-Earth objects and beyond, the Single Person Spacecraft is poised to revolutionize human spaceflight and pave the way for exciting new discoveries in the final frontier.
