EVA 2000: a European/Russian space suit concept

Area of Science:

• Space Engineering
• Human Spaceflight
• International Collaboration

Background:

• Development of European Space Agency (ESA) Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit for Hermes program.
• Continued use and adaptation of the Russian Orlan-DMA semi-rigid space suit for Salyut and MIR missions.
• Need for next-generation EVA suits to meet evolving demands of manned space exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess feasibility of a joint European-Russian EVA suit development (EVA 2000).
• Establish requirements for a common and interoperable space suit system.
• Enhance crew productivity, safety, and suit lifespan while reducing costs.

Main Methods:

• Requirements analysis and conceptual design study initiated in 1992.
• Focus on design philosophy for commonality, interoperability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Evaluation of potential commonalities between European and Russian EVA suit concepts.

Main Results:

• Positive conclusions from the EVA 2000 feasibility study.
• Definition of joint requirements for a new generation EVA suit.
• Proposal of a conceptual design for a jointly developed European-Russian space suit.

Conclusions:

• The EVA 2000 feasibility study confirmed the viability of a joint development program.
• The joint European-Russian EVA Suit 2000 Development Programme was established.
• The study provides a foundation for future international cooperation in EVA suit design.