This technology is an internal spacesuit attachment to transfer the weight of the spacesuit from the astronaut’s shoulders to their hips. The technology incorporates a belt around the astronaut’s waist with rigid side supports attaching upwards to the hard upper torso (HUT) of the spacesuit. This transfers the heavy load of the hard upper torso’s weight to the hips. Furthermore, this weight transfer system is designed with materials appropriate for the outer space environment. The composite side supports can be affixed directly or on a swivel to improve suit rigidity or user flexibility. Background: NASA’s full pressure spacesuits for extravehicular activity weigh upwards of 250 lbs. and their planned Lunar surface suits for the Artemis missions are expected to weigh upwards of 500 lbs. For astronauts on the ISS, the weight of the spacesuit is inconsequential due to microgravity. However, on the lunar surface, gravity is one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, making a 500 lb. spacesuit weigh around 80 lbs., which is a heavy load for an astronaut to carry for extended periods of time. In current spacesuit designs, the weight of the suit rests on the astronauts’ shoulders, which can cause pain and injury over time. The human body carries weight much more safely and effectively on the hips. The Spacesuit Weight Transfer System was developed to transfer shoulder-bearing weight to astronauts’ hips to reduce risk of injuries and enhance safety. Applications:
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