Advanced Technology for Human Support in Space (1997) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
4 EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY SYSTEMS
4 EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY SYSTEMS
Pages 82-96
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 82... ...
EVA equipment consists of: the spacesuit itself; the primary life support system (PLSS) , which provides the suit with pressurized oxygen and ventilation while removing carbon dioxide, water vapor, and trace contaminants; thermal conditioning; and the tools (including robotic tools)
|
From page 83... ...
The Apollo EMUs met the requirements for a crewmember operating outside the confines of the Lunar Module spacecraft. The current Space Shuttle EMU consists of a spacesuit assembly (SSA)
|
From page 84... ...
TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC TOPICS RELATED TO EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY SYSTEMS Outstanding technical issues and design trade-offs that continue to need attention for the development of advanced EMUs include: interior pressure levels; gloves that provide improved manual dexterity; enhanced mobility and locomotion capability; easy on-orbit maintenance; mass reduction; increased service life; improved environmental protection (including protection from dust on planetary surfaces and space debris in orbit) ; visual displays and other human factors concerns; and regenerable, low-mass life support systems.
|
From page 85... ...
For example, Space Shuttle EMU maintenance can entail hundreds of hours of seam inspection, pressure leak checks, and PLSS processing after each Space Shuttle mission (O to 3 EVAs)
|
From page 86... ...
Self-contained thermal control systems without rejection to the environment (e.g., a fusible heat sink) are attractive for future mission scenarios.
|
From page 87... ...
In early 1996, a new EVA Project Office was established at JSC to coordinate all EVA work within NASA. This office has been given responsibility for the Space Shuttle and ISS EVA operations, for the development of all EVA hardware, and for advanced EVA R&D.
|
From page 88... ...
In 1994, after responsibility for advanced EVA technologies was transferred to OLMSA, the "X-Suit" project met a similar fate. In 1995, the Office of the Chief Engineer at NASA headquarters recommended a next generation EMU development program, but it too was canceled.
|
From page 89... ...
This gave rise to the current situation where OSF is responsible for evolutionary capability improvements to the EMU, while OLMSA is responsible for long-term technology development. Other sources of funds for advanced EVA R&D are the SBIR program, center director discretionary funds at JSC, and JR&D funds from industrial companies.
|
From page 90... ...
0 9670 Modular maintainable PLSSO 9720 Oxygen ejector circulation0 9820 Miniaturized air bearing fan electronics0 98120 Membrane humidity control44 96561 Small optical displaySBIR 97700 Direct projection displaySBIR 9670 Built-in helmet displaySBIR 9670 Robust water pumpSBIR 96500 Piezoelectnc water pumpSBIR 96500 Fluorescent gas sensorsSBIR 97700 Totals434 6,021 HIGH PRIORITY AREAS FOR EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Summary Finding. The NASA OLMSA program for developing advanced technology for EVA systems has recently been reorganized and does not yet have official priorities.
|
From page 91... ...
: . achieving zero prebreathe capability · reducing the total mass of extravehicular mobility units · minimizing consumables through advanced subsystem designs (thermal control, CO2 removal, humidity control)
|
From page 92... ...
Human planetary exploration is a stated future mission goal for NASA and, despite the current lack of a specific human mission beyond the ISS, NASA recognizes that improved EVA systems will be required to carry out its long-term goals. Finding.
|
From page 93... ...
Finding. Most of the current work sponsored by NASA in advanced EVA technology is being done in house, with limited industry, and very limited academic, involvement.
|
From page 94... ...
PROGRAM DIRECTION AND ORGANIZATION Summary Finding. The new EVA Program Office at JSC, which now controls all NASA work related to EVA (including for the Space Shuttle and ISS)
|
From page 95... ...
Recommendation 4-10. The Advanced EVA Technology Project Office at the Johnson Space Center should increase efforts to include universities and industry in its programs (small companies have access to the program through the Small Business Innovative Research Program)
|
From page 96... ...
. It is possible, but not yet clear, that new portable life support technologies may find similar applications.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.