THE GRIFFITHS FREE FLYING EVA LOGISTICS SLED (NGLS)

The Griffiths Free‑Flying EVA Logistics Sled (NGLS)V4 Griffiths, Wayne (2026) The Griffiths Free‑Flying EVA Logistics Sled (NGLS) is a cold‑gas‑propelled, six‑degree‑of‑freedom mobility architecture engineered to support heavy‑load external operations around large spacecraft, orbital platforms, and deep‑space installations. It addresses a critical capability gap in modern EVA logistics by enabling astronauts to transport tools, replacement modules, and structural components far beyond suit‑carried limits, while maintaining precise, stable maneuverability in microgravity environments. The system integrates dual high‑pressure nitrogen tanks, vectorable thruster assemblies, autonomous stabilization, and a modular cargo interface into a lightweight composite frame. A rod‑based manual controller provides intuitive EVA‑glove‑compatible handling, while teleoperation and autonomous modes support hazardous, repetitive, or fatigue‑prone tasks. Redundant thruster pathways, fail‑closed valves, dead‑man stabilization, and a multi‑sensor collision‑avoidance suite form a comprehensive safety architecture suitable for human‑rated operations. This paper presents the full engineering architecture of the NGLS, including propulsion modelling, structural load‑path analysis, control‑system algorithms, power and thermal management, and a detailed FMEA‑driven safety assessment. Performance modelling demonstrates operational Δv in the 50–150 m/s range, sortie durations of 10–45 minutes, and payload capacities of 50–200 kg depending on mission profile. Comparative analysis highlights the sled’s advantages over SAFER, the historical MMU, and robotic‑arm‑based logistics approaches. The Griffiths NGLS forms part of an ongoing series of deep‑space systems research exploring practical, near‑term architectures for habitat support, propulsion, and EVA operations. It contributes a dedicated logistics platform to the broader Griffiths mission‑class ecosystem, enabling safer, more efficient, and more capable external maintenance workflows for future crewed missions. "© Wayne Griffiths — The Griffiths Canon. All rights reserved. This publication is part of the Griffiths Canon, a protected body of engineering work authored by Wayne Griffiths. All text, diagrams, architectures, system logic, emblems, motifs, and associated intellectual frameworks contained herein are the exclusive property of the author. Redistribution, reproduction, modification, or incorporation of any portion of this work into derivative materials is prohibited without prior written permission from the author. The Griffiths Canon emblem, shield, motif stamp, and clan insignia are protected branding elements and may not be used, adapted, or displayed without authorization. Academic citation of this DOI‑registered work is permitted and encouraged, provided attribution remains complete and unaltered" Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=wayne-griffiths-22a52a36