Respiration System Design for a Titan Spacesuit

Abstract

Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, is larger than Earth’s Moon, presents a lower surface gravity than the Moon (0.14 G vs 0.17 G, where 1 G is Earth’s gravity), and has a thick atmosphere (1.45 atm) composed of nitrogen (97%), methane (2.7%), hydrogen (0.2%), and other gases in trace amounts, some toxic. In spite of its significant distance from the Sun (9.54 AU), extremely low surface temperature (94 K), and toxic gases, Titan could one day be an exploration destination for humans. Of particular interest is the fact that, given Titan’s thick atmosphere, an Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuit for Titan would not need to be pressurized. This paper examines the preliminary Titan spacesuit concept proposed by Dijoux & Lee (2024) with particular focus on its Nitrox (nitrogen-oxygen mixture) respira- tion system, which includes a Full-Face Respiration Mask ((FFRM )) connected to the Portable Life Support System (PLSS)’ nitrox tanks via Shoulder Hose/Straps ((SHS)). This paper presents a detailed breakdown of a proposed respiration system design for the TES, with a layout of all components in the system with their specifications. The system employs one EANx32 tank and a pure oxygen tank, as opposed to NASA EMU ’s use of only pure oxygen, with an innovation in utilizing partial exhaled gas for suit pressurization and thermal management. The TES respiration concept offers a viable and efficient life-support solution for EVA operations in Titan’s uniquely dense environment, and contributes to the broader engineering framework needed for future interplanetary EVAs.