An altitude chamber rescue ensemble

Abstract

Altitude chamber tests accomplished with the astronaut crews in the spacecraft at a simulated altitude of above 200,000 ft requires that a rescue team be provided in the event of an accident in the spacecraft. The rescue crew is stationed in an airlock maintained at an altitude of 18,000 ft. A protective ensemble provides the rescue crew with life support capabilities, communications, and protection in the event of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, repressurization of the chamber is initiated; as the chamber descends, the airlock ascends and the two meet at 25,000 ft. This phase of the emergency repressurization takes less than 30 sec.