NASA's Orion Crew Survival System: The Unsung Heroes Behind Artemis II
Dustin Gohmert, the manager of Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS), has dedicated his career to protecting astronauts on their perilous journeys through space. As part of NASA's Artemis II mission, Gohmert's team will be responsible for outfitting the crew with specialized pressure suits designed to sustain life for up to six days in case of an emergency.
Gohmert's approach is collaborative, working closely with the astronauts to refine the design and ensure it meets their needs. "We work with the crew to say, 'Here's this design concept we have. How does this really work in the spaceflight environment?'" he explains. This empathetic approach allows Gohmert's team to adapt the suits over time, taking into account both theoretical safety measures and real-world challenges.
The OCSS suits are engineered to be mini-ecosystems, capable of providing oxygen, hydration, food, and waste management for extended periods. In emergency situations, these suits can become personal spacecraft, with astronauts essentially living in a tiny, custom-built vessel that's only an inch bigger than their body.
Gohmert's expertise spans every phase of suit development, from design to testing, addressing critical engineering challenges such as maintaining internal pressure and sustaining life support systems. His team custom-builds each suit to fit the unique anatomy of each astronaut, with precise sizing and multiple fit checks ensuring a snug, safe fit.
Born after the last Moon landing, Gohmert is now part of the next chapter in human space exploration. As he reflects on his role, he acknowledges both the technical complexities and personal responsibility that come with protecting astronauts on their journeys to the Moon and beyond. "It's awe-inspiring in every possible way," he says, underscoring the significance of his work.
As Artemis II prepares to embark on its historic mission, Dustin Gohmert and his OCSS team are at the forefront of ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts, pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight and expanding our understanding of what's possible in the vast expanse of space.
Dustin Gohmert, the manager of Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS), has dedicated his career to protecting astronauts on their perilous journeys through space. As part of NASA's Artemis II mission, Gohmert's team will be responsible for outfitting the crew with specialized pressure suits designed to sustain life for up to six days in case of an emergency.
Gohmert's approach is collaborative, working closely with the astronauts to refine the design and ensure it meets their needs. "We work with the crew to say, 'Here's this design concept we have. How does this really work in the spaceflight environment?'" he explains. This empathetic approach allows Gohmert's team to adapt the suits over time, taking into account both theoretical safety measures and real-world challenges.
The OCSS suits are engineered to be mini-ecosystems, capable of providing oxygen, hydration, food, and waste management for extended periods. In emergency situations, these suits can become personal spacecraft, with astronauts essentially living in a tiny, custom-built vessel that's only an inch bigger than their body.
Gohmert's expertise spans every phase of suit development, from design to testing, addressing critical engineering challenges such as maintaining internal pressure and sustaining life support systems. His team custom-builds each suit to fit the unique anatomy of each astronaut, with precise sizing and multiple fit checks ensuring a snug, safe fit.
Born after the last Moon landing, Gohmert is now part of the next chapter in human space exploration. As he reflects on his role, he acknowledges both the technical complexities and personal responsibility that come with protecting astronauts on their journeys to the Moon and beyond. "It's awe-inspiring in every possible way," he says, underscoring the significance of his work.
As Artemis II prepares to embark on its historic mission, Dustin Gohmert and his OCSS team are at the forefront of ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts, pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight and expanding our understanding of what's possible in the vast expanse of space.