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PubMed1985

Compatible atmospheres for a space suit, space station, and shuttle based on physiological principles.

Fundamental physiological principles have been invoked to design compatible environments for a space suit, space station, and the space craft used to transport the astronauts from Earth. These principles include the long-term memory of tissues for a bubble-provoking decompression, the intermittent nature of blood flow in the tight connective tissues(s) responsible for the bends whose incidence in aviators has been shown to be related to bubble volume by the Weibull distribution. In the overall design an astronaut breathing a mixture of 30% O2 in N2 for 4-5 h in a space craft at 11.9 psia can transfer to a space station filled with the same mix at 8.7 psia and, after a further 4-5 h, go EVA at any time without any oxygen prebreathing at any stage. The probable incidence of decompression sickness has been estimated as less than 0.5% using the present suit operating at 4.3 psia but the risk could be reduced to zero if the suit pressure were increased to 6.5 psia.

Aerospace Medicine↗

PubMed1995

EVA Suit 2000: a joint European/Russian space suit design.

A feasibility study in 1992 showed the benefits of a common European Russian space suit development, EVA Suit 2000, replacing the Russian space suit Orlan-DMA and the planned European Hermes EVA space suit at the turn of the century. This EVA Suit 2000 is a joint development initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Space Agency (RKA). The main objectives of this development program are: first utilization aboard the Russian Space Station MIR-2; performance improvement with respect to current operational suits; development cost reduction. Russian experience gained with the present extravehicular activity (EVA) suit on the MIR Space Station and extensive application of European Technologies will be needed to achieve these ambitious goals. This paper presents the current status of the development activities, the space suit system design and concentrates in more detail on life support aspects. Specific subjects addressed will include the overall life support conceptual architecture, design features, crew comfort and operational considerations.

Computer Systems↗

PubMed1995

EVA 2000: a European/Russian space suit concept.

For the European manned space activities an EVA space suit system was being developed in the frame of the Hermes Space Vehicle Programme of the European Space Agency (ESA). The space suit was to serve the needs for all relevant extravehicular activities for the Hermes Columbus operations planned to begin in 2004. For the present Russian manned space programme the relevant EVAs are performed by the Orlan-DMA semi-rigid space suit. The origin of its development reaches back to the 1970s and has since been adapted to cover the needs for extravehicular activities on Salyut and MIR until today. The latest modification of the space suit, which guaranteed its completely self-contained operation, was made in 1988. However, Russian specialists considered it necessary to start developing an EVA space suit of a new generation, which would have improved performance and would cover the needs by the turn of the century and into the beginning of the next century. Potentially these two suit developments could have a lot in common based on similarities in present concepts. As future manned space activities become more and more an international effort, a safe and reliable interoperability of the different space suit systems is required. Based on the results of the Munich Minister Conference in 1991, the European Space Agency and the Russian Space Agency agreed to initiate a requirements analysis and conceptual design study to determine the feasibility of a joint space suit development, EVA 2000. The design philosophy for the EVA 2000 study was oriented on a space suit system design of: space suit commonality and interoperability; increased crew productivity and safety; increase in useful life and reduced maintainability; reduced development and production cost. The EVA 2000 feasibility study was performed in 1992, and with the positive conclusions for EVA 2000, this approach became the new joint European Russian EVA Suit 2000 Development Programme. This paper gives an overview of the results of the feasibility study and presents the joint requirements and the proposed design concept of a jointly developed European Russian space suit.

Equipment Design↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The Soviet-Russian space suits a historical overview of the 1960's.

The development of protective suits for space use started with the Vostok-suit SK-1, first used by Yu. Gagarin on April 12, 1961, and then used on all subsequent Vostok-flights. The technical background for the design of these suits was the work on full pressure protective suits for military pilots and stratospheric flights in the 1930's through 50's. The Soviet-Russian space programme contains a large number of 'firsts', and one of the most well known is the first EVA by Leonov in 1965. This event is also the starting point for a long series of space suit development for Extravehicular Activities over the last 35 years. The next step to come was the transfer in void space of crew members between the two spacecraft Soyuz 4 and 5 in 1969. As has later become known this was an essential element in the planned Soviet lunar exploration programme, which in itself required a new space suit. After the termination of the lunar programme in 1972, the space suit development concentrated on suits applicable to zero-gravity work around the manned space stations Salyut 6, Salyut 7 and MIR. These suits have become known as the ORLAN-family of suits, and an advanced version of this suit (ORLAN-M) will be used on the International Space Station together with the American EMU. This paper covers the space suit development in the Soviet Union in the 1960's and the experience used from the pre-space era.

Astronauts↗

PubMed2002

Skin microvascular flow during hypobaric exposure with and without a mechanical counter-pressure space suit glove.

INTRODUCTION: Current space suits are rigid, gas-pressurized shells that protect astronauts from the vacuum of space. A tight elastic garment or mechanical-counter-pressure (MCP) suit generates pressure by compression and may have several advantages over current space suit technology. In this study, we investigated local microcirculatory effects produced with and without a prototype MCP glove. METHODS: The right hand of eight normal volunteers was studied at normal ambient pressure and during exposure to -50, -100 and -150 mm Hg with and without the MCP glove. Measurements included the pressure against the hand, skin microvascular flow, temperature on the dorsum of the hand, and middle finger girth. RESULTS: Without the glove, skin microvascular flow and finger girth significantly increased with negative pressure, and the skin temperature decreased compared with the control condition. The MCP glove generated approximately 200 mm Hg at the skin surface; all measured values remained at control levels during exposure to negative pressure. DISCUSSION: Without the glove, skin microvascular flow and finger girth increased with negative pressure, probably due to a blood shift toward the hand. The elastic compression of the material of the MCP glove generated pressure on the hand similar to that in current gas-pressurized space suit gloves. The MCP glove prevented the apparent blood shift and thus maintained baseline values of the measured variables despite exposure of the hand to negative pressure.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[A dynamic model of the extravehicular (correction of extravehicuar) activity space suit].

Objective. To establish a dynamic model of the space suit base on the particular configuration of the space suit. Method. The mass of the space suit components, moment of inertia, mobility of the joints of space suit, as well as the suit-generated torques, were considered in this model. The expressions to calculate the moment of inertia were developed by simplifying the geometry of the space suit. A modified Preisach model was used to mathematically describe the hysteretic torque characteristics of joints in a pressurized space suit, and it was implemented numerically basing on the observed suit parameters. Result. A dynamic model considering mass, moment of inertia and suit-generated torques was established. Conclusion. This dynamic model provides some elements for the dynamic simulation of the astronaut extravehicular activity.

Extravehicular Activity↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Ensuring of long operation life of the orbiting station EVA space suit.

Russia has gained a lot of experience in operating the space suits (SS) during the extravehicular activities (EVA) by the crews of SALYUT-6, SALYUT-7 and MIR orbiting stations. A total of 21 Orlan-type space suits of various models were operated onboard the orbiting stations (OS) during almost 20 years period. Some of these space suits served up to 3 years in orbit. The paper reviews special features of long SS operation (without return to the Earth) onboard an orbiting station as well as the problems associated with SS repeated use by several crews. An analysis of measures to support solving of the problems of SS long stay and reliable operation onboard the orbiting station is made: selection of a corresponding SS type and separate elements design; selection of the materials; routine and preventive maintenance; development tests. The advantages of the space suit of a semi-rigid type for solving the above problems are shown. The paper includes a short analysis of space suits' operation onboard the Russian orbiting station MIR, and some restuts of inspection of the Orlan-DMA space suit returned to the Earth from orbit by STS-79 alter long operation in orbit. Recommendations on further improvement of the space suits for EVA operations in the International Space Station (ISS) are given.

Decompression Sickness↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Long-term operation of "Orlan" space suits in the "Mir" orbiting station: experience obtained and its application.

The started assembly of the International Space Station (ISS) and its further operation will call for a great number of extravehicular activity sorties (EVA) to be performed by ISS crews. Therefore, of great importance is to make use of the EVA experience gained by cosmonauts in the process of 15-year operation of the Mir orbiting station (OS). Over the 15-year period, Mir crewmembers wearing Orlan type semi-rigid space suits have accumulated 158 man/sorties from the orbiting station. Crewmembers used 15 suits in orbit and some of the suits were in operation for more than 3 years. The paper presents principal design features, which provide effective and safe operation of orbit-based suits, and briefly describes procedures for preparation and maintenance of suit systems, which ensure long-term operation of space suit in orbit. The paper gives results of the space suit modifications, presents suit performance characteristics and lists novel or upgraded components of the space suit and its systems. The paper also summarizes improvements in the Orlan type suits described in some earlier publications. They refer, in the first run, to the improvement of space suit operations characteristics and reliability, and the utilization of the Orlan type space suit in the ISS program. The paper analyses the experience gained and drawbacks detected and observations made, and gives statistical data on long-term space suit operations aboard the Mir station. The paper reviews certain problems in the process of EVAs performed from the station, and describes the ways of their solution as applied to the further utilization of the suit within the ISS program.

Astronauts↗

PubMed1995

The experience in operation and improving the Orlan-type space suits.

Nowadays significant experience has been gained in Russia concerning extravehicular activity (EVA) with cosmonauts wearing a semi-rigid space suit of the "Orlan" type. The conditions for the cosmonauts' vital activities, the operational and ergonomic features of the space suit and its reliability are the most critical factors defining the efficiency of the scheduled operation to be performed by the astronaut and his safety. As the missions performed by the cosmonauts during EVA become more and more elaborate, the requirements for EVA space suits and their systems become more and more demanding, resulting in their consistent advancement. This paper provides certain results of the space suit's operation and analysis of its major problems as applied to the Salyut and MIR orbiting stations. The modification steps of the space suit in the course of operation (Orlan-D, Orlan-DM, Orlan-DMA) and its specific features are presented. The concept of the suited cosmonauts' safety is described as well as trends for future space suit improvements.

Equipment Design↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Main problems of the Russian Orlan-M space suit utilization for EVAs on the ISS.

In the recent years the Russian Orlan-M space suits have been improved as applied to their operational requirements for the ISS. A special attention is paid to enhancement of EVA crew efficiency and safety. The paper considers the main problems regarding specific features of the Russian space suit operation in the ISS, and analyses measures on their solution. In particular, the problems associated with the following are considered: enhancement of the anthropometric range for the EVA crewmembers; use of some US EMU elements and unified NASA equipment elements; Orlan-M operation support in the wide range of the ISS thermal conditions; use of Simplified Aid For Extravehicular activity Rescue (SAFER) designed as a self-rescue device, which will be used for an EVA crewmember return in the event that he (she) breaks away inadvertently from the ISS surface. The paper states the main space suit differences with reference to solution of the above problems. The paper presents briefly the design of space suit arms developed for crewmembers with small anthropometric parameters, as well as peculiarities and test results for the gloves with enhanced thermal protection. Measures on further space suit development with the purpose to improve its performances are considered.

Anthropometry↗

PubMed1994

The EVA space suit development in Europe.

The progress of the European EVA space suit predevelopment activities has resulted in an improved technical reference concept, which will form the basis for a start of the Phase C/D development work in 1992. Technology development work over the last 2 years has resulted in a considerable amount of test data and a better understanding of the characteristics and behaviour of individual parts of the space suit system, in particular in the areas of suits' mobility and life support functions. This information has enabled a consolidation of certain design features on the one hand, but also led to the challenging of some of the design solutions on the other hand. While working towards an improved situation with respect to the main design drivers mass and cost, the technical concept has been improved with respect to functional safety and ease of handling, taking the evolving Hermes spaceplane requirements into consideration. Necessary hardware and functional redundancies have been implemented taking the operational scenario with Hermes and Columbus servicing into consideration. This paper presents the latest design status of the European EVA space suit concept, with particular emphasis on crew safety, comfort and productivity, in the frame of the predevelopment work for the European Space Agency.

Aerospace Medicine↗

PubMed1997

[Russian intra vehicular space suit and cold protection].

During space flights, astronauts use equipment allowing protection against many environmental factors. During tests realised in Russia, space suit efficiency was evaluated particularly concerning cold protection capacity in cold water (3 degrees C) and in cold air (-30 degrees C). Obtained results prove that this equipment allows to prevent hypothermia in cold water and ensure thermal comfort in cold air.

Cold Temperature↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Design and structural analysis of highly mobile space suits and gloves.

This paper evaluates the factors that control the flexibility of fabric space-suit elements, in particular gloves, by examining a bending model of a pressurized fabric tube. Results from the model are used to evaluate the design strategies used in space-suit components, to evaluate the current direction in research on highly mobile space-suit gloves and to suggest changes necessary for optimum glove fabric selection. Finally it is shown that the modulus of the fabric used in space-suit joint construction is as important to the flexibility of the joint as the glove size and design.

Astronauts↗

PubMed1991

The physiology of spacecraft and space suit atmosphere selection.

The majority of the environmental factors which comprise the spacecraft and space suit environments can be controlled at "Earth normal" values, at optimum values, or at other values decided upon by spacecraft designers. Factors which are considered in arriving at control values and control ranges of these parameters include physiological, engineering, operational cost, and safety considerations. Several of the physiological considerations, including hypoxia and hyperoxia, hypercapnia, temperature regulation, and decompression sickness are identified and their impact on spacecraft and space suit atmosphere selection are considered. The past experience in controlling these parameters in U.S. and Soviet spacecraft and space suits and the associated physiological responses are reviewed. Current areas of physiological investigation relating to environmental factors in spacecraft are discussed, particularly decompression sickness which can occur as a result of change in pressure from Earth to spacecraft or spacecraft to space suit. Physiological considerations for long-term lunar or Martian missions will have different impacts on atmosphere selection and may result in the selection of atmospheres different than those currently in use.

Atmospheric Pressure↗

PubMed1999

[Thermal physiological analysis of man in an Intravehicular Activity space suit].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the thermal physiological changes of man in a Intravehicular Activity (IVA) space suit. METHOD: Combined second design was used to arrange 24 tests in 6 young male subjects wearing an IVA space suit at sea level. RESULT: The relationship between common thermal physiological measurements and air ventilating parameters (air temperature, flow rate and its relative humidity) together with metabolic state (rest or work) of man were established in mathematical models. Possible applications of these models were illustrated. Metabolic heat production which influences the relations was also discussed. CONCLUSION: Thermal physiological changes of man in the space suit were properly expressed by the mathematical models in this paper.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Extravehicular activity space suit interoperability.

The European Agency (ESA) and the Russian Space Agency (RKA) are jointly developing a new space suit system for improved extravehicular activity (EVA) capabilities in support of the MIR Space Station Programme, the EVA Suit 2000. Recent national policy agreements between the U.S. and Russia on planned cooperations in manned space also include joint extravehicular activity (EVA). With an increased number of space suit systems and a higher operational frequency towards the end of this century an improved interoperability for both routine and emergency operations is of eminent importance. It is thus timely to report the current status of ongoing work on international EVA interoperability being conducted by the Committee on EVA Protocols and Operations of the International Academy of Astronauts initiated in 1991. This paper summarises the current EVA interoperability issues to be harmonised and presents quantified vehicle interface requirements for the current U.S. Shuttle EMU and Russian MIR Orlan DMA and the new European/Russian EVA Suit 2000 extravehicular systems. Major critical/incompatible interfaces for suits/mother-craft of different combinations are discussed, and recommendations for standardisations given.

Equipment Design↗

PubMed2001

Model of human/liquid cooling garment interaction for space suit automatic thermal control.

The Wissler human thermoregulation model was augmented to incorporate simulation of a space suit thermal control system that includes interaction with a liquid cooled garment (LCG) and ventilation gas flow through the suit. The model was utilized in the design process of an automatic controller intended to maintain thermal neutrality of an exercising subject wearing a liquid cooling garment. An experimental apparatus was designed and built to test the efficacy of specific physiological state measurements to provide feedback data for input to the automatic control algorithm. Control of the coolant inlet temperature to the LCG was based on evaluation of transient physiological parameters that describe the thermal state of the subject, including metabolic rate, skin temperatures, and core temperature. Experimental evaluation of the control algorithm function was accomplished in an environmental chamber under conditions that simulated the thermal environment of a space suit and transient metabolic work loads typical of astronaut extravehicular activity (EVA). The model was also applied to analyze experiments to evaluate performance of the automatic control system in maintaining thermal comfort during extensive transient metabolic profiles for a range of environmental temperatures. Finally, the model was used to predict the efficacy of the LCG thermal controller for providing thermal comfort for a variety of regiments that may be encountered in future space missions. Simulations with the Wissler model accurately predicted the thermal interaction between the subject and LCG for a wide range of metabolic profiles and environmental conditions and matched the function of the automatic temperature controller for inlet cooling water to the LCG.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2000

Fetal 'space-suit' hydrops in the first trimester: differentiating risk for chromosome abnormalities by delineating characteristics of nuchal translucency.

Detecting first trimester fetuses with pan-body hydrops, giving the appearance of a 'space-suit,' is associated with a marked increased risk for chromosome abnormalities. In 30 consecutive fetuses prospectively characterized by space-suit hydrops, detected at or before 13.9 weeks' gestation, 26 (86.7%) were characterized by chromosome abnormalities. However, as opposed to the preponderance of autosome abnormalities among first-trimester fetuses with prominent nuchal translucencies, 15 of the 26 fetuses (57.7%) with abnormal complements were characterized by sex chromosome aneuploidies. Genetic counselling and consideration of invasive prenatal testing is warranted when space-suit hydrops is detected in the first trimester.

Abortion, Therapeutic↗