NASA selects Synopsys, EMA for lunar spacesuit analysis

Key Takeaways

• NASA selects Synopsys and EMA to analyze spacesuit compatibility with the lunar environment
• The effort focuses on reducing risks to extravehicular activity systems from triboelectrification and electrical charging
• Synopsys and EMA will use physics-based analysis workflows with Ansys Charge Plus to evaluate spacesuit materials and structures
• The simulation work will be paired with testing and validation at EMA's Space Environment and Radiation Effects Laboratory
• The goal is to identify charging sources, evaluate design tradeoffs, and target validation activities for astronaut safety and system performance

Introduction to Lunar Spacesuit Analysis

NASA has selected Synopsys and EMA to conduct a comprehensive analysis of spacesuit compatibility with the lunar environment. This effort is part of Synopsys' support for Artemis-related programs, which aim to return humans to the lunar surface by 2025. The analysis will focus on reducing risks to extravehicular activity systems, particularly spacesuits, from triboelectrification caused by lunar regolith interaction and from electrical charging and electrostatic discharge in the space plasma environment.

Evaluating Spacesuit Materials and Structures

Synopsys and EMA will use physics-based analysis workflows with Ansys Charge Plus to evaluate spacesuit materials, layered structures, and representative suit features under relevant lunar plasma conditions. The software will be used to model plasma interaction, surface charging, charge transport, and electrostatic discharge in complex, multi-material 3D systems. The simulation work will be paired with testing and validation at EMA's Space Environment and Radiation Effects Laboratory in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Comparison of Analysis Tools

Digital Mission Engineering Environment

In related work, Cesium has integrated 3D spatial data and lunar topography into Synopsys' digital mission engineering environment. This environment uses Ansys RF Channel Modeler to analyze radio-frequency signal propagation and Ansys HFSS to assess antenna models installed on spacesuits and rovers. NASA's Glenn Research Center is using the system to visualize and validate RF coverage in realistic operating scenarios, which can help inform radio placement for connectivity beyond a future moon base.

Conclusion

The analysis of spacesuit compatibility with the lunar environment is a critical aspect of NASA's Artemis program. By using physics-based analysis workflows and simulation tools, Synopsys and EMA can help reduce risks to extravehicular activity systems and ensure astronaut safety and system performance. The use of digital mission engineering environment and analysis tools can also help inform mission planning and identify potential shadow zones caused by lunar terrain.

Bottom Line

The partnership between Synopsys, EMA, and NASA demonstrates the importance of collaboration and the use of advanced analysis tools in space exploration. By leveraging physics-based analysis workflows and simulation tools, NASA can ensure the safety and success of its Artemis program and future lunar missions. With the goal of returning humans to the lunar surface by 2025, the analysis of spacesuit compatibility with the lunar environment is a critical step towards achieving this milestone.