Lindsay Aitchison

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Lindsay Aitchison is a leading figure in advanced spacesuit and life support system design for NASA, with her work directly shaping the future of human exploration. Her primary research focuses on thermal regulation and human performance during extravehicular activity (EVA), particularly for demanding planetary missions. Aitchison’s major contributions include her pivotal role in the Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS) 2006 field test, a critical analog mission for testing lunar surface operations and EVA hardware. This work, documented in her most-cited paper (6 citations), provided foundational data for integrating crew performance with robotic systems. She also led a key trade study on an Exploration Cooling Garment (ExCG) (5 citations), a project that advanced the technology readiness level of next-generation thermal control systems. This study addressed the critical challenge of managing high metabolic heat loads during strenuous exploration tasks, ensuring crew health and work efficiency. Through her rigorous systems engineering approach, Aitchison has helped bridge the gap between current ISS technology and the advanced suits required for humanity’s return to the Moon and eventual journeys to Mars.