[Astra]
[A lunar terrain vehicle seating system]
Industry
Aerospace
Systems
▸ HFE & HCD
▸ 3D Modeling & VR Simulation
▸ Rapid Prototyping
▸ User testing
Credits
▸ Lead designer & researcher: Jessica Paola Sanchez Russi
▸ Advisory board: Associate Prof. Jeff F. Feng, Elham Morshedzadeh, Ph.D., Gordon A. Vos, Ph.D., and Associate Prof. Larry Toups
▸ Simulation and testing support: Vittorio Netti, Paolo Mangili, and the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA)
As space exploration evolves, the demand for effective human-centered design (HCD) in space vehicles
becomes increasingly critical. This study examined human-centered design (HCD) integration in the
Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), a crucial component of the Artemis program. The core challenge was to design an efficient, safe, and reliable seating system for the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) that addresses the harsh extremes of the lunar environment. The design had to accommodate the diverse body sizes of a modern astronaut crew while ensuring they could safely operate the vehicle despite the heavy, restrictive bulk of the modern xEMU space suits and Portable Life-Support Systems (PLSS)
Historical data from the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) revealed significant usability issues, including restrictive seatbelts, uncomfortable rigid seating, and immense difficulty with ingress and egress while suited.
The project utilized a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach, prioritizing astronaut well-being, ergonomics, and usability. The plan integrated a dual-fidelity testing methodology, combining low-to-mid-fidelity physical mockups of the LTV structure and seats with a high-fidelity immersive Virtual Reality (VR) environment to safely and cost-effectively test user interactions.
With NASA's Artemis program aiming for extended missions and a sustainable human presence on the Moon, an unpressurized mobility platform is essential to expand the crew's exploration range beyond their landing site. Proper ergonomic seating is critical to mitigate the physical toll of navigating rough lunar terrain, prevent injury during complex maneuvers, and ensure overall mission success and astronaut health.
Concept development began by analyzing various postures, such as seated, standing, and reclined, before converging on a hybrid dual-position model (leaning and seated). Prototyping progressed from low-fidelity cardboard models to a full-scale MDF and PVC platform paired with 3D-printed controllers. Mechanical systems were evaluated for height adjustment, leading to the selection of a screw-jack and counterbalance mechanism for reliable, power-free operation in a vacuum.
The final solution is a dual-position foldable seat that allows astronauts to enter the vehicle in a leaning posture and transition into a seated position for driving. It features a coated aluminum frame, mechanical suspension, and hyper-elastic polymer cushions wrapped in layered protective fabrics. The design utilizes a Kevlar mesh backing to support the PLSS and employs an amusement-park-style lap bar for secure, unrestrictive restraint.
The seating system is engineered to seamlessly fit into the LTV's open compartment while accommodating astronauts ranging from the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male. To ensure functionality without relying on vulnerable electrical systems, the seat's height and transition adjustments are fully mechanical, utilizing levers and handwheels specifically designed to be operated easily by astronauts wearing thick, pressurized gloves.
