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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

ISS External Microorganisms: Collecting Planetary Protection Samples During Extravehicular Activity

We have developed, tested, and flown a caddy capable of collecting aseptic samples from external surfaces of the ISS (International Space Station). The sampling caddy is certified for use during US EVA (extra vehicular activity) and was launched to ISS in the summer of 2023. We are scheduled to collect samples from 6 locations outside ISS during an EVA in May of 2024. We will freeze these samples at -80°C on orbit and return them to Earth. We will then extract and sequence any DNA collected during the EVA using next generation sequencing technologies to characterize the community composition and function of each sample. Measuring the type and quantity of microbes present on the exterior of ISS will allow us to address knowledge gap 2B, “Acceptable levels of microbial/organic releases from humans and support systems” described in a 2019 COSPAR report. Collecting data about microbial release from current crewed vehicles will inform requirements for acceptable leak rates for future crewed missions to Mars. The sampling kit consists of eight commercially available, sterile, DNA free, macrofoam swabs ( 23 mm. diameter ) installed in custom aluminum end effectors. Each end effector is housed in and individual aluminum canister. Each canister contains a 0.2 μm Teflon filter to allow the interior volume to accommodate pressure changes without permitting microbial contaminants to enter the sterile interior volume. A handle repurposed from the space shuttle tile repair kit is used to remove the end effector from the sample canister, collect a sample by swabbing a surface and then replace the end effector in its canister. The canisters and end effectors were cleaned and assembled on Earth. Prior to installing the sterile swab the canisters and end effectors were sterilized in an autoclave at 134°C, 215 kPA, for 7 min.. The final assembly occurred in a sterilized class II biosafety cabinet. We will collect six samples from the 1) airlock vestibule, 2) airlock thermal cover, 3) a gap in the micrometeorite shielding near the airlock, 4) a handrail near the airlock, 5) the CDRA (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly) vent, and 6) the VES (Vacuum Exhaust System) vent. The remaining two swabs will be reserved as controls. One swab will be exposed during the EVA without touching any surfaces to act as a blank. The final swab will remain sealed until the entire sampling kit is returned to earth. Based on previously published results from the Russian segment, we hypothesize that there will be detectable microbes at some or all of these locations. Ground-based testing of this sampling caddy confirms that the swabs remain sterile as the canisters transition in and out of vacuum. We were able to retrieve, viable bacterial and fungal cells as well as DNA from samples collected from US space suits during vacuum chamber tests lasting as long as seven hours. Based on these results and feedback from the test subjects the sampling caddy was modified to improve ergonomics and meet US EVA safety requirements. Bayonet probes were added to the sides of the sample kit as alternate mounting points. Additional locking features were added to the end effector and the filter stack to prevent inadvertent release during use. The opening mechanism was changed from one where the end effector was rocked laterally to defeat a ball detent to a twist-to-open threaded closure for similar reasons. Demonstrating, this sampling caddy’s effectiveness during a US EVA will allow us to address knowledge gaps identified in COSPAR reports and begin to define planetary protection requirements for life support systems on crewed missions to mars. This kit could also be used to collect contamination control samples during Artemis missions to verify requirements and could be easily modified for robotic sample collection.

Planetary Protection↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Roadmaps Pressure Garment System (PGS)

As NASA focuses on the Moon to Mars (M2M) efforts, an environment-tolerable spacesuit design will be needed. NASA has traditionally used Roadmaps to strategize technology development and lay the foundation for the Exploration EMU (xEMU) spacesuit prototype. The Roadmaps visualize an actionable plan to realize EVA capabilities needed for Mars exploration.

Cinda Chullen↗
NASA NTRS1972

Apollo 17 mission 5-day report

A five day report of the Apollo 17 mission is presented. The subjects discussed are: (1) sequence of events, (2) extravehicular activities, (3) first, second, and third lunar surface extravehicular activity, (4) transearth extravehicular activity, (5) lunar surface experiments conducted, (6) orbital science activities, (7) spacecraft reentry and recovery.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Metabolism and heat dissipation during Apollo EVA periods

The extravehicular activity life support equipment, suit temperature control, metabolic rate measurement methods, and energy production are discussed. The Apollo crewmen were able to perform planned extravehicular activities and to extend them to the maximum time allowable without medical problems. The metabolic rates experienced during the lunar surface extravehicular activities were lower than conservative premission estimates. A manually controlled liquid cooling garment was effectively used to minimize fatigue and water loss from sweating during lunar surface extravehicular activities. Gas cooling was adequate during the short zero-g extravehicular activities performed from the command module. The prediction of EVA workloads became more reliable as inflight data was accumulated. The prediction of the average metabolic cost of an EVA was more reliable than the cost of an individual short-term task.

J.M. Waligora↗
NASA NTRS1986

The space station: Human factors and productivity

Human factor researchers and engineers are making inputs into the early stages of the design of the Space Station to improve both the quality of life and work on-orbit. Effective integration of the human factors information related to various Intravehicular Activity (IVA), Extravehicular Activity (EVA), and teletobotics systems during the Space Station design will result in increased productivity, increased flexibility of the Space Stations systems, lower cost of operations, improved reliability, and increased safety for the crew onboard the Space Station. The major features of productivity examined include the cognitive and physical effort involved in work, the accuracy of worker output and ability to maintain performance at a high level of accuracy, the speed and temporal efficiency with which a worker performs, crewmember satisfaction with their work environment, and the relation between performance and cost.

Gillan, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The astronaut and the banana peel: An EVA retriever scenario

To prepare for the problem of accidents in Space Station activities, the Extravehicular Activity Retriever (EVAR) robot is being constructed, whose purpose is to retrieve astronauts and tools that float free of the Space Station. Advanced Decision Systems is at the beginning of a project to develop research software capable of guiding EVAR through the retrieval process. This involves addressing problems in machine vision, dexterous manipulation, real time construction of programs via speech input, and reactive execution of plans despite the mishaps and unexpected conditions that arise in uncontrolled domains. The problem analysis phase of this work is presented. An EVAR scenario is used to elucidate major domain and technical problems. An overview of the technical approach to prototyping an EVAR system is also presented.

Shapiro, Daniel G.↗
NASA NTRS2004

International Space Station (ISS) Airlock Crewlock Depressurization Methods

The International Space Station (ISS) Airlock Crewlock can be depressurized via various methods. The ISS Airlock is divided into two major sections, the Equipment Lock and Crewlock. The Equipment Lock, as the name indicates, contains the equipment to support EVA activities including Extravehicular Maneuvering/Mobility Unit (EMU) maintenance and refurbishment. The Equipment Lock also contains basic life support equipment in order to support denitrogenzation protocols while the Airlock is isolated from the rest of the ISS. The Crewlock is the section of the Airlock that is depressurized to allow for Extravehicular Activity (EVA) crewmembers to exit the ISS for performance of EVAs. As opposed to the Equipment Lock, the Crewlock is quite simple and basically just contains lights and an assembly to provide services, oxygen, coolant, etc, to the EMUs. For operational flexibility, various methods were derived for Crewlock depressurization. Herein these various different methods of ISS Airlock Crewlock depressurization will be described including their performance, impacts, and risks associated with each method. Each of the different methods will be discussed with flight data, if it exists. Models will be applied to flight cases and to other methods that have not been used on-orbit at this time.

Williams, David E.↗
NASA NTRS2005

STS-114: Discovery Crew Arrival

George Diller of NASA Public Affairs narrates the STS-114 Crew arrival at Kennedy Space Center aboard a Gulf Stream aircraft. They were greeted by Center Director Jim Kennedy. Commander Eileen Collins introduced each of her crew members and gave a brief description of their roles in the mission. Mission Specialist 3, Andrew Thomas will be the lead crew member on the inspection on flight day 2; he is the intravehicular (IV) crew member that will help and guide Mission Specialists Souichi Noguchi and Stephen Robinson during their spacewalks. Pilot James Kelly will be operating the shuttle systems in flying the Shuttle; he will be flying the space station robotic arm during the second extravehicular activity and he will be assisting Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence during the other two extravehicular activities; he will be assisting on the rendezvous on flight day three, and landing of the shuttle. Commander Collins also mentioned Pilot Kelly's recent promotion to Colonel by the United States Air Force. Mission Specialist 1, Souichi Noguchi from JAXA (The Japanese Space Agency) will be flying on the flight deck for ascent; he will be doing three spacewalks on day 5, 7, and 9; He will be the photo/TV lead for the different types of cameras on board to document the flight and to send back the information to the ground for both technical and public affairs reasons. Mission Specialist 5, Charles Camada will be doing the inspection on flight day 2 with Mission Specialist Thomas and Pilot Kelly; he will be transferring the logistics off the shuttle and onto the space station and from the space station back to the shuttle; He will help set up eleven lap tops on board. Mission Specialist 4, Wendy Lawrence will lead the transfer of logistics to the space station; she is the space station arm operator during extravehicular activities 1 and 3; she will be carrying the 6,000 pounds of external storage platform from the shuttle payload bay over to the space station; she is also in charge of the shuttle storage. Mission Specialist 2, Stephen Robinson is the flight engineer of the shuttle; he will be doing spacewalks with Mission Specialist Noguchi; he will set up the 11 lap top computers on board. Each crew member gave a brief message to the press. Commander Eileen later gave her final message and the crew walked back to the Astronaut Corps.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1971

Description of core samples returned by Apollo 12

Three core samples were collected by the Apollo 12 astronauts. Two are single cores, one of which (sample 12026) was collected close to the lunar module during the first extravehicular activity period and is 19.3 centimeters long. The second core (sample 12027) was collected at Sharp Crater during the second extravehicular activity period and is 17.4 centimeters long. The third sample is a double core (samples 12025 and 12028), which was collected near Halo Crater during the second extravehicular activity period. Unlike the other cores, the double-drive-tube core sample has complex layering with at least 10 clearly defined stratigraphic units. This core sample is approximately 41 centimeters long.

Lindsay, J. F.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Initial Testing the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) in Lunar Environment Simulation at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL) in 2022

Understanding how to effectively train for Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) for Artemis missions is critical. Tasked by the new Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program(EHP), a team of stakeholders from engineering and flight operations worked together to test the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility (xEMU) in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab(NBL) simulating the lunar environment. The NBL is a pool in which astronauts are typically trained to complete simulated International Space Station (ISS) EVA tasks in a neutral weigh-out. The overall focus for this test series was evaluating how well the NBL could be used as an effective simulated environment for Artemis lunar EVAs. New NBL support hardware was manufactured to support this test series and update the interfaces to be more representative of xEMU hardware such as a new NBL Portable Life Support System(PLSS)mock-up and umbilical, lights and cameras, and display and control unit (DCU).To simulate the 1/6th-gravity (1/6-g) environment, extra weights were added around the suit to create an accurate center of gravity representation. The Partial Gravity Weigh-out Stand (PGWS) predicted where and how much weight would be required for the 1/6th-G simulation and predicted the center of gravity placement. After the weigh-out attempt was completed, the suited participant would complete a set of directed tasks such as kneeling, object pick-up, and walking to evaluate the weigh-out. To create the lunar environment, sand, boulders, and ramps were added to the pool floor. If time allowed after weigh-out was determined acceptable, the flight operations team would direct the suited participants to complete simulated Artemis EVA tasks using flight-like tools and tool cart. The team also evaluated turning out the overhead lights in the NBL for a portion of some of the test runs and using a solar simulator to create amore realistic lunar south pole lighting environment. The test series completed one unmanned test and nine manned tests. With four of the tests, dual xEMU suited operations were completed with subjects in both the small and large xEMU sizes. Overall, the NBL was able to create an acceptable lunar landscape and ability to have two subjects work side by side in pressurized xEMUs which currently cannot be achieved in other test environments. Achieving a stable 1/6th-G lunar weigh-out and clear, consistent dual suit communications was a challenge for this series. Future work is planned to continue to improve this simulation environment.

spacesuit↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Initial Testing of the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) in Lunar Environment Simulation at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL) in 2022

Understanding how to effectively train for Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) for Artemis missions is critical. Tasked by the new Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program(EHP), a team of stakeholders from engineering and flight operations worked together to test the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility (xEMU) in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab(NBL) simulating the lunar environment. The NBL is a pool in which astronauts are typically trained to complete simulated International Space Station (ISS) EVA tasks in a neutral weigh-out. The overall focus for this test series was evaluating how well the NBL could be used as an effective simulated environment for Artemis lunar EVAs. New NBL support hardware was manufactured to support this test series and update the interfaces to be more representative of xEMU hardware such as a new NBL Portable Life Support System(PLSS)mock-up and umbilical, lights and cameras, and display and control unit (DCU).To simulate the 1/6th-gravity (1/6-g) environment, extra weights were added around the suit to create an accurate center of gravity representation. The Partial Gravity Weigh-out Stand (PGWS) predicted where and how much weight would be required for the 1/6th-G simulation and predicted the center of gravity placement. After the weigh-out attempt was completed, the suited participant would complete a set of directed tasks such as kneeling, object pick-up, and walking to evaluate the weigh-out. To create the lunar environment, sand, boulders, and ramps were added to the pool floor. If time allowed after weigh-out was determined acceptable, the flight operations team would direct the suited participants to complete simulated Artemis EVA tasks using flight-like tools and tool cart. The team also evaluated turning out the overhead lights in the NBL for a portion of some of the test runs and using a solar simulator to create amore realistic lunar south pole lighting environment. The test series completed one unmanned test and nine manned tests. With four of the tests, dual xEMU suited operations were completed with subjects in both the small and large xEMU sizes. Overall, the NBL was able to create an acceptable lunar landscape and ability to have two subjects work side by side in pressurized xEMUs which currently cannot be achieved in other test environments. Achieving a stable 1/6th-G lunar weigh-out and clear, consistent dual suit communications was a challenge for this series. Future work is planned to continue to improve this simulation environment.

spacesuit↗
NASA NTRS2005

STS-114: Discovery Day 9 Mission Status Briefing

Paul Hill, STS-114 Lead Shuttle Flight Director; Mark Ferring, Lead ISS Flight Director; Cindy Begley, STS-114 Lead EVA Officer were present. Paul reported on the general accomplishments of the mission for the day: the transfer to two stations are complete, transfers back from station into logistics module into the mid-deck are about 75 % complete and definitely in schedule to finish the next day, everything with the external video cam and the RGMC return are complete. He noted that all crews are doing great by all means. Paul also gave a detailed explanation with supporting video clips regarding concern for Eileen's side of window. Mark and Cindy both gave technical details on Mission Specialists Steven Robinson and Souichi Noguchi's extravehicular activities (EVA). News media focused most of their questions on extravehicular activities.

Source record↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of the Suited Injury Modes and Effects Analysis for Identification of Top Injury Risks in Lunar Missions and Training

A new Exploration Extravehicular Activity Suit (xEVAS) is being designed to replace the current Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Artemis program to return astronauts to the lunar surface. This new suit will allow for increased range of motion compared the current EMU and Apollo era suits and will have additional features that will enhance the health and safety of exploration. With the design of lunar missions and the xEVAS progressing, it is important to consider possible injuries and injury mechanisms that could occur in the suit. To address these concerns, the suited Injury Modes and Effects Analysis (IMEA) was developed to outline suited injury scenarios and rank them based on risk score. The IMEA documents possible scenarios and underlying mechanisms of injury while wearing an extravehicular activity (EVA) suit. Tasks during lunar surface EVA as well as training events to prepare for lunar missions were considered as history has shown that more suit injuries occur during training than in flight. Each scenario is ranked with a consequence and likelihood scoring based on our current understanding of the suit and Artemis design reference missions to identify high-risk cases that will drive further work in suited injury. Injuries, mechanisms of injury, and mitigation strategies are evaluated within each scenario. The Suited Injury Summit was held on January 5, 2022, to vet the IMEA with external experts. This was an all-day virtual meeting with the suited injury team, ergonomists, suit engineers, safety engineers, the flight operations directorate, flight doctors, astronauts, astronaut strength, conditioning, and rehabilitation specialists (ASCRS), and external subject matter experts (SMEs). External SMEs consisted of surgeons with varying specialties. The intent of this meeting was to walk through the top injury risks identified in the analysis, identify any gaps that were not captured, and discuss mitigations. With participation from all groups, countless lessons-learned came from the Summit meeting. Using the lessons-learned and discussion from the Summit, the top 10 risks have been identified: neutral buoyancy laboratory training, hand/glove injuries, poor suit fit, field training, specific EVA tasks/design of task, boots/ankle injuries, falls from heights, background radiation, repetitive contact, and ambulation/long-distance ambulation. Mitigation steps have also been determined for each of the top risks. The IMEA and documentation of top risks is a living document. Yearly meetings are planned to update the analysis and reevaluate top risks and mitigations. The IMEA is being used to drive work in suited injury, and this work will continue to evolve with IMEA and lunar mission updates.

Teresa Reiber↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of the Suited Injury Modes and Effects Analysis for Identification of Top Injury Risks in Lunar Missions and Training

A new Exploration Extravehicular Activity Suit (xEVAS) is being designed to replace the current Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Artemis program to return astronauts to the lunar surface. This new suit will allow for increased range of motion compared the current EMU and Apollo era suits and will have additional features that will enhance the health and safety of exploration. With the design of lunar missions and the xEVAS progressing, it is important to consider possible injuries and injury mechanisms that could occur in the suit. To address these concerns, the suited Injury Modes and Effects Analysis (IMEA) was developed to outline suited injury scenarios and rank them based on risk score. The IMEA documents possible scenarios and underlying mechanisms of injury while wearing an extravehicular activity (EVA) suit. Tasks during lunar surface EVA as well as training events to prepare for lunar missions were considered as history has shown that more suit injuries occur during training than in flight. Each scenario is ranked with a consequence and likelihood scoring based on our current understanding of the suit and Artemis design reference missions to identify high-risk cases that will drive further work in suited injury. Injuries, mechanisms of injury, and mitigation strategies are evaluated within each scenario. The Suited Injury Summit was held on January 5, 2022, to vet the IMEA with external experts. This was an all-day virtual meeting with the suited injury team, ergonomists, suit engineers, safety engineers, the flight operations directorate, flight doctors, astronauts, astronaut strength, conditioning, and rehabilitation specialists (ASCRS), and external subject matter experts (SMEs). External SMEs consisted of surgeons with varying specialties. The intent of this meeting was to walk through the top injury risks identified in the analysis, identify any gaps that were not captured, and discuss mitigations. With participation from all groups, countless lessons-learned came from the Summit meeting. Using the lessons-learned and discussion from the Summit, the top 10 risks have been identified: neutral buoyancy laboratory training, hand/glove injuries, poor suit fit, field training, specific EVA tasks/design of task, boots/ankle injuries, falls from heights, background radiation, repetitive contact, and ambulation/long-distance ambulation. Mitigation steps have also been determined for each of the top risks. The IMEA and documentation of top risks is a living document. Yearly meetings are planned to update the analysis and reevaluate top risks and mitigations. The IMEA is being used to drive work in suited injury, and this work will continue to evolve with IMEA and lunar mission updates.

Tessa Reiber↗
NASA NTRS1990

Long term life support for space exploration

A general strategy for the development of life-support systems is discussed in terms of present and future requirements for NASA exploration missions. A general life-support strategy is delineated for both intravehicular activity (IVA) and extravehicular activity (EVA) for lunar and Mars transfer vehicles, Mars habitats, and pressurized rovers. The baseline capability presented corresponds to the systems needs for the Space Station Freedom permanently manned capability and the Shuttle Extended Duration Orbiter. Design guidelines and system design goals are given for IVA life support with an emphasis on closed-loop systems, and the design prerogatives for EVA include a minimum time to transition between IVA and EVA, and minimum resitriction for human activity.

Rummel, John D.↗