Monte Carlo based predictive method for determining work envelope of spacesuit in EVA operation

Astronauts worn spacesuit manipulate objects in the extravehicular environment is strikingly different from that on the ground. A critical issue addressed in planning for Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) and evaluating EVA worksites is whether the astronaut can reach and comfortably work in the designed worksite or not. In this paper, a 9-DOF arm model of spacesuit is established, Monte Carlo based computer simulation and predictive method are researched and the arm workspace is predicted by the limitations of spacesuit joint angles. The prediction result is verified by a Articulated Arm Coordinate Measuring Machines (AACMM). This method provides a basis for planning EVA tasks of space suit and further study of mobility of space suit. ? Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.