Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue
Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER) is a small, self-contained, propulsive backpack system (
Description
SAFER is fitted around the life support backpack of the space suit (EMU or Extravehicular Mobility Unit). SAFER in no way interferes with suit mobility. The flight test unit was fitted with a single hand control module rigidly attached to the Display and Control Module (DCM) in front of the suit. The hand controller provided six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) maneuvering via 24 gaseous-nitrogen (GN2) thrusters. Vehicle weight is 85 pounds. The GN2 is stored in four cylindrical tanks, each charged to 3250 psi. Total fuel capacity is 3 pounds which is sufficient to change the vehicle velocity approximately 10 feet/second (ΔV). The unit features very extensive self-test capability.[4]
Application
SAFER is designed to be used as a self-rescue device if in spite of precautions such as tethers, safety grips, and the robot arm an EVA crewmember gets separated and no vehicles can provide rescue capability.[5] SAFER is worn by every ISS crewmember using an Extravehicular Mobility Unit.
SAFER was co-invented by former astronauts Joseph Kerwin, Paul Cottingham and Ted Christian under a Lockheed contract to NASA for Space Station Freedom.[citation needed] It was later[when?] sponsored by the Space Shuttle Program and developed by Lockheed and NASA personnel. SAFER was the design solution to the Shuttle Program's requirement to provide a means of self rescue should an EVA crewmember become untethered during an EVA.[6]
SAFER was first flown on
Complications
The left side latch on the SAFER unit became unlatched during an EVA by astronaut
See also
References
- ^ NASA (2000). "STS-92 Day 8 Highlights". NASA. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
- ^ APOD (2001). "Astronomy Picture of the Day A Flying Astronaut Over Earth". NASA. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
- ^ NASA (1993). "SAFER Assembly". NASA. Archived from the original on June 13, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
- ^ Meade, Carl (October 1995). "First Flight Test Result of the Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER) Propulsion Unit". International Space Station.
- ^ a b c Broad, William J. (September 10, 1994). "Shuttle Soars Into Orbit to Test Device for Space Rescues". The New York Times. p. 7. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
- ^ United Space Alliance Staff (October 2, 2000). "STS-92 – DISCOVERY: DELIVERING FRAMEWORK FOR FUTURE SPACE STATION GROWTH" (PDF) (Press release). Houston: NASA. p. 39. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
- ^ STS-92 Mission Control Center Status Report (Report) (15 ed.). Houston: NASA. October 18, 2000. Archived from the original (HTML) on October 21, 2008. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
- ^ Mike Schneider for the Associated Press (2006). "Duct tape suggested for spacewalk repair". NBC News. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
- ^ Kelly Young (2006). "High drama spacewalk ends in success". New Scientist. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
- ^ Tariq Malik (2006). "Spacewalkers Test Shuttle Heat Shield Repair Technique". Space.com. Retrieved October 6, 2008.