Project Goals:

• Create a realistic analogue simulation of a Mechanical Counter-Pressure (MCP) suit [first described by: Webb (1967, 1968); Annis & Webb (1971); Hargens et al. (1987); Aratow et al. (1993)] and currently being developed by F.A. Korona and D.L. Akin (at the University of Maryland) and Dava Newman (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
• Collect descriptive and subjective data from 1-2 users of the MoonSkin MCP about comfort, utility of manual dexterity, and temperature of suit.

Goals Status:

• Goal met, total cost for the suit (if one bought new items, would be $717.94). Future MDRS suits or MoonSkin suit could be supplemented with the wearer's own footwear and wet/skin suit.
• Goal partially met, ergonomic evaluation and range of motion data was only collected on one use. Baseline, MDRS Analog Suit, and MoonSkin MCP suit data was collected. Time did not allow for multiple users to be evaluated. Results will be published by Leslie Wickman of Azusa Pacific University.

Suit Description:

• Body: Mens 3/2mm Tilos Titanium Skin Chest Full Suit Jumpsuit Wetsuit (Model #J3020, size 3XL)
• Hood: Standard/Unisex 6/3 Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Water Sports Hood w/ Vent (Model #H6010BK, size XL)
• Inner Footwear: NRS HydroSkin® Neoprene Socks (Black, Large, Item 722203)
• Outer Footwear: La Sportiva Latok (TRK) Boots (US size 12)
• Hydration: Camel Pack Rogue (70 oz/2 liters, Item 720121)
• Protection: Black Diamond Bod Climbing Harness (size XL)
• Helmet: BMW/Shoei RF-1000 Helmet (large, with clear visor)
• Forced Air Apparatus/Ventilation: Coleman Quickpump Rechargeable (Model 5999C400)

Estimated Suit Cost:

• Body: $67.99 (purchased from all3sports.com)
• Hood: $19.95 (purchased from all3sports.com)
• Inner Footwear: $33.00 (purchased from REI)
• Outer Footwear: 250.00 (purchased from Campmor.com)
• Hydration: $45.00 (purchased from REI)
• Protection: $60.00 (purchased from Black Diamond)
• Helmet: (borrowed) estimated cost $200.00
• Ventilation: $32.00 (purchased from Gart Sports)
• Ventilation Tubing and Teflon tape: $10 (Walmart)

Future Upgrades:

• Helmet: Reevu Rearview mirror helmet (http://www.reevu.com/)
• Ventilation: 3M™ Belt-Mounted Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) GVP-Series

Future Direction: This preliminary demonstration project showed great promise on the development of cheap analogue mechanical counter-pressure suits for both Moon and Mars space simulations. Ventilation and body cooling garments are the most expensive components of the suit. MDRS could initiate a program of MCP suits as early as the 2006-07 season if it took suit deployment in a stepwise fashion. It should be noted that the use of an ATV/Motorcycle helmet DRAMATICALLY increases the wearer's safety. This point cannot be emphasized enough. Fire and ATV accidents are the number one cause of crewmember injury at MDRS. This demonstration project proved that head protection need not cost thousands of dollars.

A suggested timeline of deployment follows:

• 2006-07 Season: 3 "base" suits (3 wet/skin suits, 3 basic ventilation systems); cost $2500
• 2007-08 Season: 3 additional "base" suits, suit repair items, one PAPR; cost $3000
• 2008-09 Season: Upgrade ventilation to ALL PAPR systems; $2500
• Total Cost: $8,000