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At least 163 records · Page 9

ISS EVA 23 Lessons Learned

Roughly 44 minutes into EVA 23, ESA Astronaut Luca Parmitano reported water inside his helmet on the back of his head. The EVA ground team, Luca and his spacewalking partner Chris Cassidy were unable to identify the water’s source. As they continued to work, the amount of water in Luca’s helmet increased and eventually migrated from the back of his head onto his face. EVA 23 was terminated early and the crew safely returned to the Space Station. What started as a normal EVA day on ISS became one of the most serious mishaps in the history of Spacewalking.

Chris Hansen↗

The Natural and Accelerated Evolution of EVA Adhesion Through Intermediate Exposures

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulants comprise the majority of the encapsulants currently in use; much work has been done to understand and model the adhesive characteristics of EVA-encapsulated modules, but limited work has provided reliable insight into adhesion during the intermediate stages of exposure, limiting the ability to validate model predictions in this range. We provide the adhesion energy measurements for EVA adhesion after nearly six years of field aging and 10 000 h of accelerated aging. Both field and accelerated aging reveal a distinct plateau that emerges during the intermediate exposure periods (after one year in the field and after 1000 h in a chamber). At 10 000 h, adhesion within accelerated aged minimodules falls to a level generally seen after long-term field exposures (>15 years). Previous modeling predicted that adhesion would steadily decrease over the lifetime of a module, but these current results uncover an intermediate plateauing trend that is important to accurately modeling the evolution of adhesion and predicting adhesive failure. Based on these findings, three key model refinements concerning the rate of UV-radical formation and subsequent β-scission, the rate and acceleration of hydrolytic depolymerization, and the profile of the plasticity contribution over time are implemented and discussed.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

IROSA 3A EVA Robotics

The MAGIK Robotic analysis team provides kinematic feasibility assessments and robotic visualizations for the ISS. This animation was created with configurations provided by the CX Team and showcases the robotics for the IROSA 3A EVA install. The ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) shown include the extraction of one ISS Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) from the ISS Power Augmentation (IPA) carrier by an astronaut on the end of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) and subsequent install on the ISS starboard side truss. Operations during the EVA not shown will complete the install of the IROSA.

ISS↗

Integrated Computational Fluid Dynamics and Thermal Desktop Thermal Modeling for Assessment of the EMU in Support of ISS EVA 80

Following the reports of water accumulation in the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) helmet during the ISS US EVA-80, various efforts for mitigation and further understanding of this phenomenon have been undertaken with the goal of prevention and to ensure crew safety in future EVAs. In support of this goal, a combination of Thermal Desktop thermal modeling and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been performed in order to characterize the performance of the EMU components, specifically those within the ventilation/cooling water loops. This modeling effort evaluates the dry/wet gas pressure drop and flow distribution through gas and liquid flow paths using CFD, as well as a two-phase flow assessment of condensation production and water separation/removal performance using an integrated Thermal Desktop model of important EMU ventilation loop components. The models assess this overall thermal-fluid performance in comparison with previous existing models, design points, and historical EVA data using their inputs.

EVA 80↗

Surface EVA Architectural Drivers

Key elements of NASA’s Moon to Mars Objectives for expanding humanity’s presence beyond low-Earth orbit will require surface-based, partial-gravity extravehicular activities (EVAs). Surface EVA needs affect many aspects of the exploration architecture, including EVA suit subsystems, such as suit or pressure garment mobility, the portable life support system, and the informatics system; and external systems, such as habitation modules and surface mobility platforms.

Moon↗

Lunar surface EVA photography of Hadley Rille: Contrast as a constraint

Prior to the Apollo 15 flight, preliminary plans for lunar surface EVA photography of Hadley Rille were examined from the standpoint of expected photographic contrast. Considerable variation in contrast was predicted, resulting in suggestions for specific targets either to be emphasized or ignored at various EVA photo stations. Apollo 15 surface EVA photography appears to have highly satisfactory contrast, generally confirming the predictions. The general technique can be applied to Apollo 16 and 17 photography.

Radin, H. W.↗

Teleoperators and EVA for Shuttle missions

Review of the methods currently being contemplated for enabling the Space Shuttle to perform the Shuttle and payload support missions. Two general approaches to carrying out such activity are discussed - namely, the use of teleoperators and astronaut extravehicular activity (EVA). Detailed descriptions are given of an attached manipulator system (AMS) and a free-flying teleoperator (FFTO), noting the applications, capabilities, and limitations of each. The primary technology development areas for the AMS are in the areas of stabilization, structure, and manual control, while the technology areas of primary concern in the case of the FFTO include the manipulator-grappler system, the control system, the video system, and the mobility system. Four modes of EVA that are possible for the Shuttle are cited, noting the unlikelihood of direct applicability of EVA to payload deployment and retrieval and its feasibility for payload servicing and experiment support.

Malone, T. B.↗

Simulated EVA operation of a remote connector assembly test report

The features of a connector concept with respect to timelines and ease of connection by EVA (extravehicular activity), in various mating orientations were evaluated. The connector tests were conducted by thee EVA astronaut test subjects. Each of four test conditions (baseline, off angle, overhead, and with visual obstruction) were run three times by each of the test subjects. Time data were taken on each test run. Visual and voice communications with the subjects were recorded. The tests demonstrated that EVA personnel can perform connection tasks in relatively short times (generally one minute) and the connector configuration was a reasonable design base for such tasks. The in-situ communications and post-test comments indicated that the connector was generally acceptable but requires improvement to its manual interface features.

Lefever, A.↗

EVA manipulation and assembly of space structure columns

Assembly techniques and hardware configurations used in assembly of the basic tetrahedral cell by A7LB pressure-suited subjects in a neutral bouyancy simulator were studied. Eleven subjects participated in assembly procedures which investigated two types of structural members and two configurations of attachment hardware. The assembly was accomplished through extra-vehicular activity (EVA) only, EVA with simulated manned maneuvering unit (MMU), and EVA with simulated MMU and simulated remote manipulator system (RMS). Assembly times as low as 10.20 minutes per tetrahedron were achieved. Task element data, as well as assembly procedures, are included.

Loughead, T. E.↗

Advanced EVA system design requirements study

Design requirements and criteria for the Space Station Advanced Extravehicular Activity System (EVAS) including crew enclosures, portable life support systems, maneuvering propulsion systems, and related extravehicular activity (EVA) support equipment were defined and established. The EVA mission requirements, environments, and medical and physiological requirements, as well as opertional, procedures, and training issues were considered.

Source record↗

Advanced EVA system design requirements study, executive summary

Design requirements and criteria for the space station advanced Extravehicular Activity System (EVAS) including crew enclosures, portable life support systems, maneuvering propulsion systems, and related EVA support equipment were established. The EVA mission requirements, environments, and medical and physiological requirements, as well as operational, procedures and training issues were considered.

Source record↗

Effect of STS space suit on astronaut dominant upper limb EVA work performance

The STS Space Suited and unsuited dominant upper limb performance was evaluated in order to quantify future EVA astronaut skeletal muscle upper limb performance expectations. Testing was performed with subjects standing in EVA STS foot restraints. Data was collected with a CYBEX Dynamometer enclosed in a waterproof container. Control data was taken in one g. During one g testing, weight of the Space Suit was relieved from the subject via an overhead crane with a special connection to the PLSS of the suit. Experimental data was acquired during simulated zero g, accomplished by neutral buoyancy in the Weightless Environment Training Facility. Unsuited subjects became neutrally buoyant via SCUBA BC vests. Actual zero g experimental data was collected during parabolic arc flights on board NASA's modified KC-135 aircraft. During all test conditions, subjects performed five EVA work tasks requiring dominant upper limb performance and ten individual joint articulation movements. Dynamometer velocities for each tested movement were 0 deg/sec, 30 or 60 deg/sec and 120 or 180 deg/sec, depending on the test, with three repetitions per test. Performance was measured in foot pounds of torque.

Greenisen, Michael C.↗

Dynamics, control and sensor issues pertinent to robotic hands for the EVA retriever system

Basic dynamics, sensor, control, and related artificial intelligence issues pertinent to smart robotic hands for the Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) Retriever system are summarized and discussed. These smart hands are to be used as end effectors on arms attached to manned maneuvering units (MMU). The Retriever robotic systems comprised of MMU, arm and smart hands, are being developed to aid crewmen in the performance of routine EVA tasks including tool and object retrieval. The ultimate goal is to enhance the effectiveness of EVA crewmen.

Mclauchlan, Robert A.↗

The development of a test methodology for the evaluation of EVA gloves

This paper describes the development of a standardized set of tests designed to assess EVA-gloved hand capabilities in six measurement domains: range of motion, strength, tactile perception, dexterity, fatigue, and comfort. Based upon an assessment of general human-hand functioning and EVA task requirements, several tests within each measurement domain were developed to provide a comprehensive evaluation. All tests were designed to be conducted in a glove box with the bare hand as a baseline and the EVA glove at operating pressure.

O'Hara, John M.↗

EVA space construction - Experience and fundamental issues

Results are presented from EVA space construction studies performed in 1 g, simulated 0 g, and on-orbit. The studies include tests of astronaut participation on the Mobile Work Station concept and the Swing-Arm Beam Erector. Also, results from the Experimental Assembly of Structures in EVA and the Assembly Concept for Construction of Erectable Space Structure programs are summarized. EVA construction applications for the Space Station are discussed and construction scenarios are developed.

Heard, Walter L., Jr.↗

Motion-based carriage simulation of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) rescue

A research program was outlined for a series of Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) rescue studies. The general purpose is to get a better appreciation of the characteristics describing an EVA rescue scenario. Several studies have been completed in the Virtual Interactive Environment Workstation (VIEW) at NASA Ames Research Center. Similar studies are planned for a variety of simulators both to get more reliable results for the EVA rescue problem and to baseline the simulators against one another. Work is planned for a motion-based carriage to expand the validity of the previously obtained results.

Brody, Adam R.↗

A prototype power assist EVA glove

The most recent generation of space suit EVA gloves has addressed the problem of loose fit and stiffness in the fingers, but it remains difficult to build a glove assembly with low metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness. Fatigue due to constantly displacing the glove from a neutral position has been reported as the limiting factor in some EVA activities. This paper outlines an actuation system that uses gas filled bladders attached to the back of the EVA glove to provide the necessary force to bend the glove at the metacarpal joint, thus providing greater endurance during finger grasping tasks. A simple on-off controller senses hand movement through small pressure sensors between the finger and the glove restraint. The controller then fills or exhausts the bladders on the back of the glove to effectively move the neutral position of the glove as the hand inside moves.

Main, John A.↗

Evolving EVA system capability for the evolving Space Station Freedom requirements

Viewgraphs on evolving extravehicular activity (EVA) system capability for the evolving Space Station Freedom requirements are presented. Topics covered include: pre-scrub 1989 baseline; approach shift resulting from scrub 1989; considerations for alternative selection; EVA supply options; and key technologies for evolution of EVA system life support.

Slade, Howard↗