Wichita State University
What is NASA SUITS?
NASA Spacesuit User Interface Technologies for Students (NASA SUITS for short) challenges students to design and create spacesuit information displays within augmented reality (AR) environments. As NASA pursues Artemis – landing American astronauts on the Moon, the agency will accelerate investing in surface architecture and technology development.
The College of Innovation and Design faciliates an interdisciplinary team to compete in this challenge hosted by NASA. The top teams are invited to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas to participate in Test Week!
This Design Challenge is open to all WSU Students from freshman to PhD Candidates of all backgrounds. Space is limited each year, so be sure to apply early!
Being an international student, a lot of tremendous hard work and gifted skills are required to be able to achieve dreams in a foreign land. As a freshman, me being able to be part of this amazing project with such amazing individuals who never made me feel any less talented than they were such a blessing. I will always remember their advice and their wishes to see me succeed in the future!
How did you hear about NASA SUITS? What were your initial thoughts on joining the team?
From a tender age, I was always really passionate about expanding the field of Astronautical studies. Undoubtedly, NASA is one of the most successful in that aspect, which is why I wanted to be affiliated with them and work on something that ripples a change in this world. One day, I was approached by my Innovation and Design Professor, Kristyn Smith, who knew about my interest and presented me with an opportunity. After doing my research and keenly joining the team, I felt a little intimidated as I was the only freshman on the team.
What was the proposal process like? What did you have to do to submit the proposal to NASA?
After NASA published the mission objectives, our team thoroughly went over each aspect and started deciding immediately from a Design and User perspective, what would be the best for an Astronaut during Lunar exploration given the harsh conditions, especially on the South Pole of the Moon. We decided to divide our proposal into sections that were assigned to each of us, during which I wrote the Lunar Search and Rescue and parts of Outreach Section. Individually we were able to conduct sufficient research which we merged together to create our first draft. In an iterative manner we all checked and corrected each other’s sections.
What was your favorite outreach event? What did you do, who was it with?
My favorite outreach event has to be the one we participated in, at Washburn University for Ad Astra Space Celebration. Out of all the outreach, this one stood out to me because I reached out to Ad Astra myself. During the event, we came across people of different age groups and interests who wanted to explore various fields of this project. Bill, Shayo, Philip, Ramil, and I assisted those who were interested in experiencing the Virtual Reality experience using Virtual Reality Headsets.
What are some things you learned about working with an interdisciplinary team? Project management? Etc.
Working in a team that have different educational backgrounds has been one of the biggest strengths of our team as much of it was a challenge. This allowed our teams to have no loose ends at every step of the project and due to good leadership qualities by our team lead Bill Bui, we were able to merge all our strengths into one and come out on top 10. We were all learning from each other as we advanced in the mission. We knew to respect each other’s passion and allowed everyone’s input, even if others had more experience.
How would describe Test Week in Houston?
Being able to be part of such greatness during Test Week was no less than a fairytale made into reality. I never imagined our team would excel to this stage of the project and finally be able to visit Houston. Getting to see everything we saw at Space Center Houston and be part of the next Artemis mission made me come one step closer to my dream. I am truly thankful to everyone who believed in me and allowed me to be part of this accomplishment.
Favorite memory outside of the actual *work* of NASA SUITS?
Although I was part of some bad luck charm during test week, we actually had an amazing time in Houston. It is really hard to choose from as every one of the memories will be cherished forever. However, if I have to choose, I will say I loved the 2nd time our team took the tram tour inside Space Center Houston. We took some amazing pictures and had the most fun conversation!
What would you say to other WSU students interested in joining next years’ team?
This whole journey is an experience that will help you grow. You will learn to be part of a team, learn to understand people from different backgrounds; learn how to enjoy yourself even during work. It does not matter where your passion lies; this team will always be able to make room for you. Along the way, there are so many surprises and moments of joy. In the end, you will feel this had been a path it was worth paving towards.
How will you use what your learned from this challenge / working with others / visiting NASA in the future?
This challenge is never the end of an accomplishment; it only opens the door to more opportunities. The team challenges we faced, the way we managed, our strengths and expectations are the lessons I will continue to reflect upon throughout my entire life as I continue my journey to new adventures. I will not only use them but also extend these skills to my acquaintances whenever it is deemed necessary.