The Human spaceflight Laboratory develops its research activities in transversal interdisciplinary manner together with all interested Florida Tech departments and colleges. The supported research topics cover broad areas from suborbital flight to long duration human spaceflight.

Human Spaceflight Topics

Any topic related to HSF is supported by the HSF Lab on normative level while systems engineering topics are solicited in areas of commercial space transportation (CST) with higher priority as the simulation hardware listed below and in the Facility section indicates.

Examples:

• Mission architecture, vessel/vehicle/habitat architecture, operations architecture, space enterprise architecture, technical component architecture, organizational systems and space management
• Cognitive and physical ergonomics in human spaceflight (suborbital and orbital)
• Spaceflight manned vehicle concepts
• Vehicle systems and subsystems engineering
• Radiation dosimetry, detectors innovations and cabin integration
• Biomedical and space product systems design and engineering
• Human-systems integration and human-centered design in spaceship cabin, cockpit/flightdeck
• Procedural guidance in the systems design and development process
• Design requirements analysis
• Orbital, cislunar facility concepts architecture and engineering
• Planetary surface architecture and infrastructure
• Humans-In-The-Loop Simulations (HITLS)
• Long-duration human spaceflight team dynamics, coordination, simulation
• Long-duration systems and environment architecture effects on team dynamics and performance

Adaptive Spaceship Cockpit Simulator (ASCS)

A custom-built motion base that can be adapted to any space vessel taking-off from Earth (VTOL, HTOL etc.). Numerous attachment points, retractable screen mounts and dash board enable complete re-configuration of the human reach envelope while seated. Simulations can last up to 20 minutes using IVA spacesuit based on Florida Tech IRB approved procedures. The simulator has interfaces for an IVA spacesuit trainer. Students, faculty and staff can be trained to operate it using either air compressor or air tanks.

Intra-Vehicular Activity Spacesuit (IVA)

Intra-Vehicular Activity spacesuit trainer can operate at up to 2psi. Students, faculty and staff can be trained to operate the suit using either air compressor or high pressure air tanks.

Spacesuit Use:

1. As a reference tool for internal or external new hardware concepts and their development such as biomedical monitors, communication systems, display systems. 
2. As a dexterity tool for design of cabin or cockpit systems cognitive and physical ergonomics
3. As an operator's system for development of a new IVA/EVA system
4. HSF teaching instrument

Size:

IVA suit is size adjustable in range of 160cm - 195cm (5.3' - 6.4').

Gloves - M, L, XXL gloves are available.

Shoes - Maximum size 46

Medical:

Any spacesuit operator must pass a dedicated Florida Tech HSF Lab medical exam prior the suit donning.

Eliminating medical criteria can be found  on the Medical Exam page.