Measurement technology of operation region of EVA spacesuit

Operation ability of astronaut in spacesuit is a key parameter in Extra-vehicular activities. The operation region of people in the spacesuit was tested by 3-jointed mechanical measuring arm, which combined force-torque sensors in the handle, and magnetic brakes installed in every joint. Mathematical model of the measuring arm was established to transform the signals of sensors to the data required. The errors were analyzed and the system was calibrated and compensated. All tests were aided by computer, and data obtained were processed by software developed based on VC⁺⁺, OpenGL and Matlab. An exact 3- D operation region of left hand, right hand and both hands was obtained by a method of reverse engineering. The measurement supplied solid support in space engineering design.