Design and Certification of the Extravehicular Activity Mobility Unit (EMU) Water Processing Jumper

While the debate continues about the safety and applicability of heads-up displays (HUDs) and helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) in the aeronautical environment (as demonstrated in the July, October, and November 1987 issues of the Human Factors Society Bulletin), a voice-controlled HMD is being designed as the core of the information system for the new Space Station Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). This paper describes the human factors issues that suggest the HMD will be a safe and desirable tool for Space Station extravehicular activity (EVA). Also, it briefly outlines a Macintosh-based voice-interactive rapid prototyping system that is being used at the NASA Johnson Space Center for simulating and evaluating the HMD's ability to enhance astronaut productivity in the EVA setting.

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Development of the Self-Powered Extravehicular Mobility Unit Extravehicular Activity Data Recorder

42nd International Conference on Environmental Systems ◽

10.2514/6.2012-3438 ◽

2012 ◽

Author(s):

Craig Bernard ◽

Terry Hill ◽

Sean Murray ◽

Robert Wichowski ◽

David Rosenbush

Keyword(s):

The Self ◽

Activity Data ◽

Extravehicular Activity ◽

Mobility Unit ◽

Self Powered

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Extravehicular Activity Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris Risk Assessment Methodology

2019 15th Hypervelocity Impact Symposium ◽

10.1115/hvis2019-058 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Kevin D. Hoffman ◽

James L. Hyde ◽

Eric L. Christiansen ◽

Dana M. Lear

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Orbital Debris ◽

Space Environment ◽

Assessment Methodology ◽

Loss Of Life ◽

Extravehicular Activity ◽

Mobility Unit ◽

Risk Assessment Methodology ◽

Soft Goods

Abstract A well-known hazard associated with exposure to the space environment is the risk of vehicle failure due to an impact from a micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) particle. Among the vehicles of importance to NASA is the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) “spacesuit” used while performing a US extravehicular activity (EVA). An EMU impact is of great concern as a large leak could prevent an astronaut from safely reaching the airlock in time resulting in a loss of life. For this reason, a risk assessment is provided to the EVA office at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) prior to certification of readiness for each US EVA. This paper will detail the methodology for an ISS EVA risk assessment. The soft goods regions (multilayer fabric over a pressurized bladder) are the highest contributors of risk for an ISS EVA. The gloves, due to reduced fabric layers to allow for improved dexterity, carry the highest risk per area. ISS EVA risk can be reduced by minimizing the exposure of the front of the suit and gloves to the orbital debris flux.

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