Faculty and students at Florida Polytechnic University are developing a critical component for the next generation of spacesuits that will not only make astronauts more comfortable and efficient, but will also keep them happy.

Depression is a major problem in space, as astronauts can be adversely affected by factors like insufficient exercise, excessive exposure to light and lack of sleep. With that in mind, Florida Poly professors DR. Arman Sargolzaei and DR. Melba Horton, along with Computer Science student James Holland, are developing a product called Smart Sensory Skin (S3).

The new technology will detect emotional and physical deficiencies in astronauts through wireless sensors that will then send an immediate response to improve the "atmosphere", and adjust the astronauts' environment to fit their individual needs. The adjustments include changes in temperature, light exposure, light color, and oxygen levels.

"It's vital for astronauts to be mentally healthy during missions and right now there's no active, real-time solution to help them when they feel stressed or anxious," said Dr. Sargolzaei, professor of Electrical Engineering.

"This technology would provide them with immediate relief to their state of mind," Sargolzaei added.

The eventual product will incorporate the wireless sensors into astronaut clothing, so that physicians on Earth can also monitor the person's pulse rate, blood pressure and joint angles.

Similar technology already exists, but it is cumbersome, often uncomfortable, and data collection is passive. This means the data must be reviewed by a physician and the user can only make appropriate actions after his or her recommendation.

The S3 will be a step forward by making it an active technology, also lighter and more ergonomic, increasing mission effectiveness by reducing distractions.

The innovative research, in collaboration with UCLA professor Saman Sargolzaei, won a grant from NASA's Florida Space Research Program for its continuing development with the end goal of making astronauts happier, safer, fitter, and more productive.

"This project started as an assignment when I was a freshman, and I never expected it to grow the way it has," said Holland, a junior from Land O' Lakes, Florida. "I'm excited to see what we can accomplish as our research continues."

Related Links
Florida Polytechnic University
Space Tourism, Space Transport and Space Exploration News

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

NASA Wants Ideas from University Teams for Future Human Space Missions
Washington DC (SPX) Feb 22, 2018
Teams at U.S. colleges and universities have an opportunity to potentially help NASA with innovative design ideas to meet the challenges of space exploration. The 2019 eXploration Systems and Habitation (X-Hab) Academic Innovation Challenge supports NASA's efforts to develop technologies and capabilities that will enable future human missions throughout our solar system. In collaboration with the National Space Grant Foundation, NASA will offer competitively selected awards of $15,000 to $50,000 f ... read more