XA/EVA Project Office Weekly Activity Report March 29, 2001
Airlock Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) at KSC
The EVA Project Office participated in an ISS Joint Airlock CEIT held at KSC on March 19, 2001. The Airlock configuration was complete at the time of the event to allow 100 percent of the Internal CEIT goals to be accomplished for the module. There were not any major crew squawks or discrepancies identified for internal airlock systems that would jeopardize the upcoming hatch closure of the module. As the Airlock external structure was still being outfitted at the time of the event, external CEIT tasks were reduced in scope for this activity. A delta fit check and verification effort will follow at a later date for those areas. Some discrepancies were noted for the fit checks and verifications that did occur externally, particularly with regard to the EVA Towel Bar and high-pressure gas tank (HPGT) installation. As a result of these discrepancies, remedial efforts are underway to resolve these issues. The EVA crew and team judged the event to be an overall success and very beneficial to the ISS Joint Airlock user community in preparation for ISS-7A and subsequent flights.
EMU Glove Heater Issue
The glove heater design modification continues on schedule for STS-100/6A. A voltage regulator is being developed to be placed within the electrical harness to reduce the voltage within acceptable limits to allow extended use of glove heaters. Delivery of the hardware to USA to support shipment of EMU’s for flight is expected on April 1, 2001. Operational workarounds with the current hardware based on a specific duty cycle, as was done on STS-102/5A.1, can be implemented as a backup option. An effort to perform a long-term fix for the EMU gloves will commence as soon as the voltage regulator is certified for flight.
Post 7A Hardware Allocations
Representatives from the EVA Project Office, Mission Operations Directorate and Astronaut Office conducted a team review of the quantities and types of tools to be left on-orbit for ISS airlock operations, as well as those, which would still continue to fly on each SSP and ISS flight. During this review the ability of the current hardware inventory to support airlock operations was discussed, and a phased approach to the hardware transfers was agreed upon. The 7A and 7A.1 Tools EVA Support Equipment Lists, as well as the Standard SSP and ISS EVA Support Equipment Lists, have all been modified accordingly and are in various stages of board review. It is expected, that when approved by the Programs, the result will be a savings of eight middeck locker equivalent’s and approximately 160 lbs. for ISS flights Post 7A.
New “Bends” treatment procedure for on-orbit
Hamilton Sundstrand recently completed testing to verify the validity of a new procedure that will be implemented for the on-orbit treatment of decompression sickness related to EVA activities. The existing procedure utilizes a process that requires the suit to be depressurized and manipulation of some of the Life Support mechanical components to allow for the suit to be used as an elevated pressure treatment chamber. The medical community requested an improved process that would not require the crew to go through an initial depressurization prior to having the ability to raise the treatment pressure above ambient. Several options were evaluated which resulted in the selection of the option that allowed for the most rapid implementation at the lowest cost and does not require modifications to any hardware. Several tests have been conducted to demonstrate that the new procedures are adequate and that the Primary Life Support System (PLSS) components can be operated as predicted analytically. All testing has been successful and a new procedure is planned to be implemented as soon as the proposal can be taken to the appropriate Program Board for acceptance.
Node 2 Design Review 2
The EVA community is currently supporting Node 2 Design Review 2 at Alenia Aerospazio, March 19-30, 2001. Lockheed Martin Space Operations provided the design of external EVA aids and attachments to Marshall Space Flight Center for inclusion in the Alenia data package in support of the EVA Project Office. The combined EVA, operations, and logistics team prior to the start of the review received One hundred and twenty five review item discrepancy notices. Roughly one quarter is applicable to EVA and is currently under review. Three items are candidates for discussion at the Node 2 Design Review Board on March 30, 2001: maturity of the EVA verification plan, scheduling of a 1-g pressurized test to verify fluid line routings, and an Alenia request for two custom size handrails to avoid redesign of Node2 secondary structure.
Original signed by:
G. Allen Flynt
Deputy Manager
