The Aouda.X Space suit simulator, developed by The Austrian Space Forum( OeWF) currently consists of a system that weighs 48 kg of which nearly 57% is comprised of the Suit's HUT (Hard Upper Torso), PLSS (Portable Life Support System) and OBDH (On- board data handling). In addition to this, the current conguration requires 3 hours of assisted donning/doffing. To improve the ergonomics of the design, a relatively lighter HUT/PLSS design prototype with efficient donning capabilities, preferably self -donning, must be developed. This issue can be addressed by proposing a Rear - Entry Design that when implemented on the Aouda.X, can potentially ease these impediments.This study aims at identifying a suitable Rear entry closure design for the current conguration of Aouda.X based on planetary suit performance indicators and operational requirements. The Aouda.X rear entry design is also targeted to be compatible with the NDX -Suitport developed by the University of North Dakota's Human Space Flight Laboratory. The thesis work comprises of the development of a suitable methodology to distinguish a rear entry design for the HUT and PLSS of the spacesuit simulator with the identication of a self-sealing/locking mechanism based on these requirements. A full scale CAD model of the HUT and PLSS with optimal dimensions of compatibility for the Spacesuit with the suitport is designed as a result of this study. Static load bearing analysis is performed to validate the feasibility of the structure and make suitabe recommendations for choice of materials. Methods for further improvement for rear entry suit development are outlined.

The purpose of this study was to determine if three different tests of phonological awareness: the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processes (CTOPP) (Wagner, Torgesen, & Rashotte, 1999), The Phonological Awareness Test (PAT) (Robertson & Salter, 1997), and the Pre-Literacy Skills Screening (PLSS) (Crumrine & Lonegan, 1999) measure the same phonological awareness skills (content) in the same manner (procedures) and, whether typically-developing kindergarten-age students perform similarly on each of the tests. Twenty-five kindergarten students consisting of 14 males and 11 females (mean CA of 72.24 months) participated in this study. All participants were attending the second half of kindergarten in a public school in Orlando, Florida. Prior to the administration of the three tools, all participants were administered the Fluharty Preschool Speech and Language Screening Test - Second Edition (Fluharty-2) (Fluharty, 2001) to ensure that no formal speech and/or language assessment was needed. A comparison of the CTOPP, PAT, and PLSS revealed that the PAT and CTOPP produced similar outcomes. That is, participants who performed well on one tool also did well on the other. Results of this study have shown that tasks on these two tools are comparable measures of phonological awareness known to strongly predict future reading ability. However, when the PLSS was compared to either the CTOPP or PAT, similar outcomes were not obtained. Three participants were identified "at risk" for reading disability on the PLSS. No participants were identified "at risk" on either the CTOPP or PAT. Using a standardized battery to identify children "at-risk" for reading failure and planning intervention may be more advantageous than using a screening measure like the PLSS. Even though it will take more time to complete, a comprehensive assessment battery may be of more value to the clinician. A summary, possible limitations of study, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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