DOCSLIB.ORG

Medical A.Pects of an Orbiting Research Laboratory

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Medical A.Pects of an Orbiting Research Laboratory t Medical A.pects of an Orbiting Research Laboratory SPACE MEDICINE ADVISORY GROUP STUDY JANUARY TO AUGUST, 1964 S. P. VINOGRAD Scientafic and Tecbnicd Information Division 1966 NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION Washington, D.C. For Sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. 20402 - Price $1 THE PRESENT VOLUME DESCRIBES how the to develop a research and development program that scientific comur.ity within the United States car- could point the way toward man's ultimate conquest ried out the first systematic investigation of the of the space environment. medical aspects of an orbiting research laboratory in The Mce of Space Medicine within NASA, and space. indeed the entire scientific community concerned with It wa?i a challenging project. Under Dr. Sher- the medical behavioral sciences, is indebted to Dr. man P. Vinograd's guidance, the Nationai Aero- Vinograd and to iiir group of wieiitists who gave 3 nautics and Space Administration brought together willingly of their time and effort toward furthering a group of leading medical scientists of the nation. the national goal of space exploration. These leaders applied their varied specialized compe- tence toward solving the potential problems that han JACK BOLLERUD would face as he left his earth bound environment Brigadier General, USAF, MC and moved into space, bringing their interdiscipli- Acting Director, Space Medicine nary and their interdepartmental viewpoints together Manned Space Flight THE SPACE MEDICINE ADVISORY GROUP (SPAMAG) is a group of consultants representing varied disciplines in the life sciences who met eight times to be briefed on the current status of the space program and to consider the various aspects of a pro- posed biomedical program of an orbiting research laboratory. This group was asked to consider the support recommendations under three broad categories: (1 ) life support, those environmental factors which are to be controlled or considered to be constant; (rj experiments in which environmental factors might be varied in a significant way in order to test the response in the space environment; and (3) research laboratory decision items which are related to the requirements for its design. The initial challenge to the Group is part of this report and lists the variety of environmental factors md ORL decisions which were discussed. In each of these areas, the Group was furnished a format as guidance in life support or experiment decisions. Additionally, the Space Medicine Advisory Group was divided into task groups so that they might address themselves to the spec& areas in which they had competence. These task groups are listed in the separate sections of the report. Priority assignment, in the context of this report, is an evaluation by the group for administrative purposes. The priority assessment is given on the basis of the degree to which consideration of the experiment was necessary in design of the research labora- tory and the degree to which the experiment required preliminary ground-based experi- mentation. Leadtime in terms of experiment design as well as the personnel involved is also a factor. In this respect it will be clear that the Group felt that all of the experi- ments were in a high priority category; that is, the experiments were necessary for con- sideration in design requirements as well as experimental planning at this time. A priority related to importance of the problem must be made at a later date. The report is given in three phases. Phase I on life support recommendations covers six categories: (1) hazards, (2) atmosphere, (3) living conditions, (4) meta- bolic factors, (5) group integrity, and (6) medical considerations. Under each of these categories the groups made recommendations concerning the spacecraft, research and development necessary for design of the spacecraft, ground-based experiments which were necessary for the design requirements, and, in some cases, experiments which should be accomplished in space flight preceding the orbiting research laboratory. The hazards section considers the toxicological and general housekeeping problems in the spacecraft. The atmosphere section prescribes the ideal atmosphere for a research laboratory and indicates the necessity for being able to change the atmosphere for experi- mental purposes. The living conditions section deals with general body functions and hygiene, decor, illumination and work schedules as well as volume requirements in the spacecraft. The metabolic requirements section sets forth the present day estimate of the food, water, and waste requirements. The group integrity section discusses those factors which are involved in efficient and harmonious group functioning; however, it does not consider in detail the previously well-studied topic of individual performance. The section on medical considerations addresses itself to recommendations concerning flight crew medical selection and considerations of illness and injury among the crew as well as recommendations for medical safety monitoring. V PRECEDING PAGE BLANK NOT FILMED. vi MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AN ORBITING RESEARCH LABORATORY These 6 sections represent a grouping of the some 15 items which were presented ' for discussion and considered individually. Phase I1 is concerned with the experiments. These experiments fall into three major categories; the first of which are those related to general medical and physiolog- ical measurements. Although a number of specific experiments are designed to test the characteristics of physiological and psychological systems, certain observations are rec- ommended on a continuous daily basis to provide data which may be used in a number of data acquisition and reduction procedures. These also will serve for the general medical monitoring in the spacecraft. Physiological tests cover experiments which are designed to test the characteristics of the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system. Additional experiments are designed to test and give indications of functions of overall metabolism, metabolism of bone and muscle and metabolism as related to hematology. A group of experiments which assess the neurologic function and miscellaneous experiments on the cellular level are also included. Although several stress factors were listed by the group for consid- eration, the experiments given are directed toward weightlessness and total combined flight stress. This does not negate the importance of the interaction of these factors, but it emphasizes the unique factor of weightlessness. Psychological experiments are devised to test the emotions, performance, reaction to frustration, and spontaneous activities. For Phase I11 on the design and operational recommendations, the ORL require- ments were gathered from a free discussion by the Group and relate to specific space- craft requirements, requirements for personnel in the spacecraft, and requirements for specific equipment in laboratory facilities on the spacecraft. The factors presented under the three phases of this report represent the present best opinion of the group with respect to the decisions and areas of emphasis for orbiting research laboratory considerations and give a general presentation which should be con- tinuously reevaluated and revised. Space Medicine Advisory Group Chairman Vinograd, S. P., M.D. Director, Medical Science and Technology Space Medicine Division, Office of Manned Space Flight NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. Co-chairman Karstens, Andres I., M.D. Assistant for Bioastronautics (MOL) Col., USAF, MC Aerospace Medical Division Los Angeles, Calif. Baldwin, Maitland, M.D. Clinical Director, NINDB, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Md. Buesseler, John A., M.D. Chief of Ophthalmology University of Missouri School of Medicine Columbia, Mo. PREFACE vii Carlson, Loren D., Ph.D. Chairman, Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics University of Kentucky Medical Center Lexington, Ky. Deichmann, William B., Ph.D. Chairman, Dept. of Pharmacology University of Miami School of Medicine Coral Gables, Fla. Forster, Robert E., M.D. Professor, Physiology University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pa. Gordon, Edgar S., M.D. Professor of Medicine University Hospital Madison, Wisc. Grahn, Douglas, Ph.D. Associate Division Director Division of Biological and Medical Research Argonne National Laboratory Argonne, Iil. Graybiel, Ashton, M.D. Director of Research Capt., USN, MC Naval School of Aviation Medicine Pensacola, Fla. Knoblock, Edward C. Director, Division of Biochemistry Lt. Col., USA, MSC Walter Reed Army Institute Washington, D.C. Kubis, Joseph F., Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Fordham University Graduate School New York City, N.Y. McFarland, Ross A., Ph.D. Guggenheim Professor of Aerospace Health and Safety Harvard School of Public Health Boston, Mass. Natelson, Samuel, Ph.D. Head, Dept. Biochemistry Roosevelt Hospital New York City, N.Y. Pollack, Herbert, M.D. Clinical Professor of Medicine George Washington University Institute for Defense Analyses Arlington, Va. Reitan, Ralph M., Ph.D. Director, Neuropsychology Section Indiana University Medical Center Indianapolis, Ind. c ... VI11 MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AN ORBITING RESEARCH LABORATORY + Schmitt, Otto H., PhD. Professor of Zoology and Biophysics University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Minn. Swisher, Scott H., M.D. Professor of Medicine University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y. Townsend, John C., Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychology Catholic University Washington, D.C. Warren, James V., M.D.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Capcom Volume 26 Number 3 January/February 2016
    your window to space capcom Volume 26 Number 3 January/February 2016 CapCom is published by Midlands Spaceflight Society www.midspace.org.uk Editor: Mike Bryce | President: David J Shayler | Secretary: Dave Evetts Honorary Member: Helen Sharman OBE Midlands Spaceflight Society: CapCom: Volume 26 no 3 January/February 2016 space news roundup This was the first spacewalk for a British astronaut, but also the first ESA Astronaut Tim Peake Begins sortie for the suit used by Tim Peake, which arrived on the Station in Six-Month Stay On Space Station December. Tim Kopra went first to the far end of the Station’s starboard truss, ESA astronaut Tim Peake, NASA astronaut Tim Kopra and Russian with Tim Peake following with the replacement Sequential Shunt Unit. cosmonaut commander Yuri Malenchenko arrived at the International Swapping the suitcase-sized box was a relatively simple task but one that Space Station, six hours after their launch at 11:03 GMT on 15 needed to be done safely while the clock was ticking. December 2015. To avoid high-voltage sparks, the unit could only be replaced as the The Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft docked with the Space Station at 17:33 Station flew in Earth’s shadow, giving spacewalkers half an hour to unbolt GMT. The astronauts opened the hatch at 19:58 GMT after checking the the failed power regulator and insert and bolt down its replacement. connection between the seven-tonne Soyuz and the 400-tonne Station was airtight. Tims’ spacewalk With their main task complete, the Tims separated for individual jobs They were welcomed aboard by Russian cosmonauts Mikhail Korniyenko for the remainder of their time outside.
    [Show full text]
  • Post Increment Evaluation Report Increment 11 International Space
    SSP 54311 Baseline WWW.NASAWATCH.COM Post Increment Evaluation Report Increment 11 International Space Station Program Baseline June 2006 National Aeronautics and Space Administration International Space Station Program Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas Contract Number: NNJ04AA02C WWW.NASAWATCH.COM SSP 54311 Baseline - WWW.NASAWATCH.COM REVISION AND HISTORY PAGE REV. DESCRIPTION PUB. DATE - Initial Release (Reference per SSCD XXXXXX, EFF. XX-XX-XX) XX-XX-XX WWW.NASAWATCH.COM SSP 54311 Baseline - WWW.NASAWATCH.COM INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PROGRAM POST INCREMENT EVALUATION REPORT INCREMENT 11 CHANGE SHEET Month XX, XXXX Baseline Space Station Control Board Directive XXXXXX/(X-X), dated XX-XX-XX. (X) CHANGE INSTRUCTIONS SSP 54311, Post Increment Evaluation Report Increment 11, has been baselined by the authority of SSCD XXXXXX. All future updates to this document will be identified on this change sheet. WWW.NASAWATCH.COM SSP 54311 Baseline - WWW.NASAWATCH.COM INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PROGRAM POST INCREMENT EVALUATION REPORT INCREMENT 11 Baseline (Reference SSCD XXXXXX, dated XX-XX-XX) LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES Month XX, XXXX The current status of all pages in this document is as shown below: Page Change No. SSCD No. Date i - ix Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX 1-1 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX 2-1 - 2-2 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX 3-1 - 3-3 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX 4-1 - 4-15 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX 5-1 - 5-10 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX 6-1 - 6-4 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX 7-1 - 7-61 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX A-1 - A-9 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX B-1 - B-3 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX C-1 - C-2 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX D-1 - D-92 Baseline XXXXXX Month XX, XXXX WWW.NASAWATCH.COM SSP 54311 Baseline - WWW.NASAWATCH.COM INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PROGRAM POST INCREMENT EVALUATION REPORT INCREMENT 11 JUNE 2006 i SSP 54311 Baseline - WWW.NASAWATCH.COM SSCB APPROVAL NOTICE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PROGRAM POST INCREMENT EVALUATION REPORT INCREMENT 11 JUNE 2006 Michael T.
    [Show full text]
  • Extravehicular Mobility Unit Training Suit Symptom Study Report
    NASA/TP–2004–212075 Extravehicular Mobility Unit Training Suit Symptom Study Report Samuel Strauss, DO, MPH Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas June 2004 THE NASA STI PROGRAM OFFICE . IN PROFILE Since its founding, NASA has been dedicated to the • CONFERENCE PUBLICATION. Collected advancement of aeronautics and space science. The papers from scientific and technical conferences, NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) symposia, seminars, or other meetings sponsored Program Office plays a key part in helping NASA or cosponsored by NASA. maintain this important role. • SPECIAL PUBLICATION. Scientific, technical, The NASA STI Program Office is operated by or historical information from NASA programs, Langley Research Center, the lead center for NASA’s projects, and mission, often concerned with scientific and technical information. The NASA STI subjects having substantial public interest. Program Office provides access to the NASA STI Database, the largest collection of aeronautical and • TECHNICAL TRANSLATION. English- space science STI in the world. The Program Office language translations of foreign scientific and is also NASA’s institutional mechanism for technical material pertinent to NASA’s mission. disseminating the results of its research and development activities. These results are published Specialized services that complement the STI by NASA in the NASA STI Report Series, which Program Office’s diverse offerings include creating includes the following report types: custom thesauri, building customized databases, organizing and publishing research results . even • TECHNICAL PUBLICATION. Reports of providing videos. completed research or a major significant phase of research that present the results of NASA For more information about the NASA STI Program programs and include extensive data or Office, see the following: theoretical analysis.
    [Show full text]
  • Astronaut Bio-Suit for Exploration Class Missions: NIAC Phase I Report, 2001
    Astronaut Bio-Suit for Exploration Class Missions: NIAC Phase I Report, 2001 Bradley Pitts, Cam Brensinger, Joseph Saleh, Chris Carr, Patricia Schmidt, Dava Newman MIT Man-Vehicle Lab Rm 37-219 77 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02193 Abstract A Bio-Suit System stands to revolutionize human space exploration by providing enhanced astronaut extravehicular activity (EVA) locomotion and life support based on the con- cept of providing a ‘second skin’ capability for astronaut performance. The novel design concept is realized through symbiotic relationships in the areas of wearable tech- nologies; information systems and evolutionary space systems design; and biomedical breakthroughs in skin replacement and materials. By working at the intersection of engineering; design; medicine; and operations, new emergent capabilities could be achieved. The Bio-Suit System would provide life support through mechanical counter- pressure where pressure is applied to the entire body through a tight-fitting suit with a helmet for the head. Wearable technologies will be embedded in the Bio-Suit layers and the outer layer might be recyclable. Hence, images of ‘spraying on’ the inner layer of the Bio-Suit System emerge, which offers design advantages for extreme, dusty, plane- tary environments. Flexible space system design methods are slated to enable adapta- tion of Bio-Suit hardware and software elements in the context of changing mission requirements. Reliability can be assured through dependence of Bio-Suit layers acting on local needs and conditions through self-repair at localized sites while preserving overall system integrity. The proposed Bio-Suit System contributes to four under-repre- sented NIAC areas, specifically, human space flight, life sciences, information systems and software, and biology.
    [Show full text]
  • A Glin-IPSE from the INSIDE of a SPACE SUIT: WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE to TRAIN for an EVA`'
    IAG09.B6.3.6 A GLIn-IPSE FROM THE INSIDE OF A SPACE SUIT: WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE TO TRAIN FOR AN EVA`' Matthew A. Gast United Space Alliance, LLC 600 Gemini, Houston TX, 77058-2783; USA matthew.gast-1 @nasa.gov Sandra K Moore, Ph.D. United Space Alliance, LLC 600 Gemini, Houston TX, 77058-2783 ;USA sandra. k.moore@nasa. gov Abstract The beauty of the view from the office of a spacewalking astronaut gives the impression of simplicity, but few beyond the astronauts, and those who train them, know what it really takes to get there. Extravehicular Activity (EVA) training is an intense process that utilizes NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) to develop a very specific skill set needed to safely construct and maintain the orbiting Intemational Space Station. To qualify for flight assignments, astronauts must demonstrate the ability to work safely and efficiently in the physically demandin g environment of the spacesuit, possess an acute ability to resolve tuiforeseen problems, and implement proper tool protocols to ensure no tools will be lost in space. Through the insights and the lessons learned by actual EVA astronauts and EVA instructors, this paper twill take you on a journey through an astronaut's earliest experiences working in the spacesuit. termed the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (ENI[J), in the underwater training environment of the NBL. This work details an actual Suit Qualification NBL training event, outlines the numerous challenges the astronauts face throughout their initial training, and the various ways they adapt their own abilities to overcome them.
    [Show full text]
  • A Glin-IPSE from the INSIDE of a SPACE SUIT: WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE to TRAIN for an EVA`'
    https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20090034233 2019-08-30T08:01:30+00:00Z IAG09.B6.3.6 A GLIn-IPSE FROM THE INSIDE OF A SPACE SUIT: WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE TO TRAIN FOR AN EVA`' Matthew A. Gast United Space Alliance, LLC 600 Gemini, Houston TX, 77058-2783; USA matthew.gast-1 @nasa.gov Sandra K Moore, Ph.D. United Space Alliance, LLC 600 Gemini, Houston TX, 77058-2783 ;USA sandra. k.moore@nasa. gov Abstract The beauty of the view from the office of a spacewalking astronaut gives the impression of simplicity, but few beyond the astronauts, and those who train them, know what it really takes to get there. Extravehicular Activity (EVA) training is an intense process that utilizes NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) to develop a very specific skill set needed to safely construct and maintain the orbiting Intemational Space Station. To qualify for flight assignments, astronauts must demonstrate the ability to work safely and efficiently in the physically demandin g environment of the spacesuit, possess an acute ability to resolve tuiforeseen problems, and implement proper tool protocols to ensure no tools will be lost in space. Through the insights and the lessons learned by actual EVA astronauts and EVA instructors, this paper twill take you on a journey through an astronaut's earliest experiences working in the spacesuit. termed the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (ENI[J), in the underwater training environment of the NBL. This work details an actual Suit Qualification NBL training event, outlines the numerous challenges the astronauts face throughout their initial training, and the various ways they adapt their own abilities to overcome them.
    [Show full text]
  • Xemu Demo) Architecture at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL
    49th International Conference on Environmental Systems ICES-2019-337 7-11 July 2019, Boston, Massachusetts Testing of the NASA Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit Demonstration (xEMU Demo) Architecture at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) Kristine Davis1 and Ian Meginnis.2 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, 77058 Following Z-2 space suit testing that occurred from 2016-2017, the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) Project was tasked with building a demonstration unit of the xEMU space suit to test on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2023. This suit is called xEMU Demonstration Suit (xEMU Demo). Based on feedback from astronauts during the Z-2 NBL test series, design changes were made, resulting in a new prototype suit called the Z-2.5 space suit. The design of the Z-2.5 space suit with an exploration Portable Life Support Systems (xPLSS) mock-up represents the architecture of xEMU Demo. The team is testing Z-2.5 in the NBL to evaluate this architecture and validate changes made from Z-2. The results will inform the xEMU Demo design going forward to its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in the summer of 2019. This Z-2.5 NBL test series focuses on evaluating the microgravity performance of the suit and the ability to complete ISS-related tasks. The series is comprised of 10 manned runs and an unmanned corn-man run. Six test subjects, including four astronauts, will participate. The test objective is to evaluate ability xEMU Demo architecture to perform ISS microgravity tasks. Each crew members will complete both a familiarization run and a nominal EMU EVA timeline run.
    [Show full text]
  • Space Suit Evolution from Custom Tailored to Off-The-Rack
    Space Suit Evolution From Custom Tailored To Off-The-Rack Apollo Space Suits Were Custom Tailored The Apollo space suit was basically a one-piece suit. Each suit was made to fit (custom tailored) each astronaut. Each Apollo mission required fifteen (15) suits to support the mission. The main, or prime, three-man crew each had three suits: I for flight; 1 for training; and 1 as a flight back-up in case something happened to their flight suit, thus a total of 9 suits for the prime crew. The back-up three-man crew each had two suits: I for flight and I for training. The astronaut corps at that time included between 25 and 27 astronauts. Shuttle Space Suits Are "Off-The-Rack" The Shuttle astronaut corps includes about 120 men and women. The Shuttle space suit, to accommodate the large number of astronauts with widely varying body sizes, was designed to be made up of many interchangeable parts. These parts (upper and lower torso's, arms, etc.) are fabricated at ILC in different sizes, inspected/tested, then shipped to Johnson Space Center (JSC) where they are inventoried for the astronaut corps. ILC Dover has a staff of about 15 people who work on-site at JSC. This staff is primarily responsible for the control, use, and maintenance of the suit components produced in Frederica after they arrive at JSC. The staff also develops and executes the crew training schedules. This involves everything from taking measurements and conducting fitchecks to de-stow and post-flight inspection/test of the space suit.
    [Show full text]
  • Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Hardware & Operations Overview
    Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Hardware & Operations Overview UTMB - Galveston 29 June 2012 Sandra Moore Jose Marmolejo Objectives and Overview • Define Extravehicular Activity (EVA), identify the reasons for conducting an EVA, and review the role that EVA has played in the space program • Identify the types of EVAs that may be performed • Describe some of the U.S. Space Station equipment and tools that are used during an EVA • Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) • Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER) • International Space Station (ISS) Joint Airlock and Russian Docking Compartment 1 (DC-1) • EVA Tools & Equipment • Outline the methods and procedures of EVA Preparation, EVA, and Post-EVA operations • Describe the Russian spacesuit used to perform an EVA • Provide a comparison between U.S. and Russian spacesuit hardware and EVA support • Define the roles that different training facilities play in EVA training 2 Definition of EVA • Extravehicular Activity (EVA) – Definition: Crewmember leaves the protective environment of a pressurized spacecraft cabin and ventures out into vacuum of space wearing an extravehicular spacesuit. – Purpose • Contingency or Mission Success Repairs • Experiments or Testing • Spacecraft Servicing • Space Structure Construction [e.g., International Space Station (ISS)] 3 Definition of Spacesuits • Spacesuits • Typically, 2 types of pressurized “spacesuits’ have been constructed to support our space programs • Launch, entry, and abort (LEA) spacesuit – Used to protect crewmembers from launch, ascent, abort, landing and other dynamic loading. – Capable of providing protection from loss of cabin pressure and crew rescue following landing. Launch/Entry Suit • Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuit – Used to allow crewmembers to work effectively in the harsh external space environment (provides protection from vacuum, thermal, mircrometeoroids, radiation, etc.).
    [Show full text]
  • NASA: Space Suit Evolution, from Custom Tailored to Off-The-Rack
    Space Suit Evolution From Custom Tailored To Off-The-Rack Apollo Space Suits Were Custom Tailored The Apollo space suit was basically a one-piece suit. Each suit was made to fit (custom tailored) each astronaut. Each Apollo mission required fifteen (15) suits to support the mission. The main, or prime, three-man crew each had three suits: I for flight; 1 for training; and 1 as a flight back-up in case something happened to their flight suit, thus a total of 9 suits for the prime crew. The back-up three-man crew each had two suits: I for flight and I for training. The astronaut corps at that time included between 25 and 27 astronauts. Shuttle Space Suits Are "Off-The-Rack" The Shuttle astronaut corps includes about 120 men and women. The Shuttle space suit, to accommodate the large number of astronauts with widely varying body sizes, was designed to be made up of many interchangeable parts. These parts (upper and lower torso's, arms, etc.) are fabricated at ILC in different sizes, inspected/tested, then shipped to Johnson Space Center (JSC) where they are inventoried for the astronaut corps. ILC Dover has a staff of about 15 people who work on-site at JSC. This staff is primarily responsible for the control, use, and maintenance of the suit components produced in Frederica after they arrive at JSC. The staff also develops and executes the crew training schedules. This involves everything from taking measurements and conducting fitchecks to de-stow and post-flight inspection/test of the space suit.
    [Show full text]