NASA requires high performance, high pressure EVA gloves for future exploration class missions beyond low Earth orbit. Glove efficacy directly translates to astronaut efficiency in many instances, and current glove technology has proven to be both limiting and the source of injury for astronauts, in addition to being expensive. The HPEG represents a cost effective and performance enabling, next generation EVA space suit glove solution for NASA.
EVA is not currently a commercial requirement beyond NASA, so the direct application of the HPEG beyond NASA is limited. However, FFD has identified several spin off technologies enabled by this glove development that are directly related to the research proposed here, including: -IVA Space Suit / Pilot Gloves: FFD has recognized the need for high performance pressurized gloves for IVA/LEA applications, and look to incorporate the technologies of the HPEG into their IVA suit -Firefighter's Gloves: the multilayer firefighter's glove is currently a limiting factor in firemen's turnout gear, with crude sizing, limited tactility, and basic patterning. FFD is currently developing next generation firefighter's gloves using patterning technology found in the HPEG -Dry Suit Diving Gloves: pressure tight and thermally insulating dry suit diving gloves represent a new market for glove performance and materials advancement.
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