Invention:
This invention is a trekking pole specifically designed for the lunar surface that can be used in conjunction with a spacesuit to improve astronaut safety. The pole incorporates a unique hand covering component with an ergonomic grip that is large enough to accommodate spacesuit gloves. Astronaut’s hands can be protected from damaging lunar regolith on the moon’s surface in the event of a fall, or they can use the hand covering to safely push off the ground. The poles can be used as singles or doubles and can be adjusted to various lengths to accommodate different astronaut heights or terrain slope angles.
Background:
With the planned NASA Artemis missions to return astronauts to the Moon, they will need additional tools to safely maneuver the lunar surface. It is known from the previous Apollo moon landings between 1969 to 1972 that astronauts fell down numerous times due to lack of stability. The space suits to be used in lunar missions weigh approximately 500 pounds, but in lunar gravity, that weight will be felt as 80 pounds. These lunar trekking poles will help astronauts safely navigate the lunar surface while protecting their spacesuit.
Applications:
- Lunar exploration
- Astronaut safety
Advantages:
- Improves astronaut safety
- More stabilized astronaut mobility
- Ergonomic gripping
- Designed specifically for use with spacesuits
- Hand covering can protect from lunar regolith
- Adjustable length
- Can be used as single or double
