Orion Crew Survival System Overview
During NASA's Artemis II mission, astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft will utilize specialized pressure suits, known as the Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS). Dustin Gohmert leads the OCSS team at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, responsible for the development and integration of these critical suits.
Suit Design and Functionality
The OCSS suits are meticulously designed to protect astronauts during various crucial mission phases, including launch, high-risk operations near the Moon, and Earth re-entry. In emergency scenarios, these suits are engineered to sustain life for up to six days, providing essential oxygen, hydration, food, and waste management.
Gohmert stated that in an emergency, the suit acts as a personal spacecraft.
The OCSS team actively incorporates astronaut feedback into the design process, continuously adapting the suits for optimal safety and operational effectiveness. They meticulously manage every phase, from initial processing and design to rigorous qualification, testing, and seamless integration with the Orion spacecraft. Addressing complex engineering challenges, such as maintaining safe internal pressure, is a core aspect of their work.
Customization and Development
Each OCSS suit is custom-built to precisely fit individual astronauts, a process that involves detailed sizing measurements and multiple fit checks. Crew input is considered an integral part of the design's evolution and ongoing refinement, ensuring the suits meet the unique needs of those who will wear them.
Team Lead Background
Dustin Gohmert, who leads the OCSS team, holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering. His extensive career includes prior work with United Space Alliance before he became a NASA civil servant, contributing significantly to the Space Shuttle Program before transitioning to the groundbreaking Orion project.