Design for Disability Inclusion in Space: Wearable Anchoring in Microgravity
In his thesis, Beyond the Right Stuff: Designing for Disability Inclusion in Space, Corey McClelland designed Wearable Anchoring solutions for individuals with mobility disabilities in microgravity environments. Space exploration has traditionally excluded individuals with disabilities. With an increased focus on inclusive and universal design, Corey aims to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in space exploration and research.
Mobility disabilities present unique challenges in microgravity environments, where tasks requiring fine motor skills and precise movements can be challenging to perform. The current anchoring methods used on the International Space Station (ISS) depend on the use of lower limbs and are limited for individuals with low or no muscular control of their feet and legs or who don't have feet or legs at all.
In partnership with Michi Benthaus, a German student with a spinal cord injury, Corey designed a waist harness prototype with two attachment points for greater stability and control placed near the partner's center of mass, making it easier to maintain balance and orientation. "Our project involved developing experiments for Michi to execute on a zero-gravity fight with AstroAccess," Corey shares. "We wanted to explore what life would look like for her in space and observe how we could create solutions to the unique challenges that she faced."
Corey developed two prototypes specifically for this study. The first prototype was a waist harness with telescoping arms attached to a space station wall. The second was a leg strap attached to a handhold. Both prototypes were designed to allow the user to stabilize themselves with their feet or legs, freeing up their hands to perform tasks that require fine motor skills.
Corey's prototypes were tested on a parabolic flight with two research partners with spinal cord injuries. The results of this experiment suggest that anchoring devices, like the waist harness prototype, can be an effective solution for individuals with mobility disabilities in microgravity environments.
"Further research is needed to optimize these devices' design and assess their performance in more realistic scenarios," Corey shares. "This could include the development of new prototypes that incorporate the feedback of people with mobility disabilities, as well as the use of co-design methodologies to ensure that the needs and preferences of these individuals are taken into account. By considering the needs of people with mobility disabilities from the outset, we can create more inclusive and accessible space environments that benefit everyone."
To learn more about Corey's work, take a look at the other thesis projects that make up Beyond the Right Stuff: Designing for Disability Inclusion in Space. Discover more of his design work at coreymcc.xyz.