Two Systems

The space suit, called the Extravehicular Mobility Unit or EMU, uses 100 percent oxygen instead of air with the suit being pressurized to about 1/3 of atmospheric pressure. The amount of oxygen contained in air at this pressure is not adequate, thus requiring the use of pure oxygen.

There are two oxygen tanks (similar to scuba diving tanks) that work with a carbon dioxide removal system. Without the ability to remove carbon dioxide, the oxygen in the tanks would run out more quickly. A space walk of approximately 6 to 8.5 hours is possible with current designs.[1]

The length of time a diver is able to work underwater with a re-breather system depends on depth as well as workload. The two images below are both re-breather type air supply systems. One is for space and one is for underwater. Both have the same general design.

 


Applying a continuity mindset to these designs reveals many inadequacies. As functional as they are, we need to take into account many more considerations that will alter the designs and functionality of a colonial system. The design shown below is more appropriate.

This design incorporates many additional features based on risk analysis.

Problem

Solution

Regulator failure

Second independent regulator

Scrubber compromised or failure

Second independent scrubber system

Co-worker life support

2 connections for emergency air supply out/in

Low or failed suit  electrical power

1 external electrical link In / Out

Life support complexity

Simplistic air board configuration on chest

Ease of access

Air and Electrical connection and control on chest pack

Helmet design

The helmet design features 2 regulators, each with independent air supply and return

Air hookup from the chest pack to the helmet would be front mounted v/s attached at the back of the helmet for ease of connection. This next image illustrates the complexity of a standard diving re-breather apparatus. 



An additional advantage to this simplistic air supply design is that is accounts for four major risk scenarios:

1. Some aspect of your system fails and you need onboard life support from a failover system
2. You or your co-workers systems fail and you require external supplemental life support 
3. Your system is low on resources requiring that you top up your system from an external source to facilitate a continuation of work.
4. You are unable to re-enter the habitat or work vehicle due to entry port failure and need to sustain life while a resolution is completed. (See Emergency Life Support) 


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