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Space Shuttle Hot Cabin Emergency ResponsesMethods: Human thermal tolerance, countermeasures, and thermal model data were reviewed and compared to existing shuttle ECS failure temperature and humidity profiles for each failure mode. Increases in core temperature associated with cognitive impairment was identified, as was metabolic heat generation of crewmembers, temperature monitoring, and communication capabilities after partial power-down and other limiting factors. Orbiter landing strategies and a hydration and salt replacement protocol were developed to put wheels on deck in each failure mode prior to development of significant cognitive impairment or collapse of crewmembers. Thermal tradeoffs for use of the Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES), Liquid Cooling Garment, integrated G-suit and Quick Don Mask were examined. candidate solutions involved trade-offs or conflicts with cabin oxygen partial pressure limits, system power-downs to limit heat generation, risks of alternate and emergency landing sites or compromise of Mode V-VIII scenarios. Results: Rehydration and minimized cabin workloads are required in all failure modes. Temperature/humidity profiles increase rapidly in two failure modes, and deorbit is recommended without the ACES, ICU and g-suit. This latter configuration limits several shuttle approach and landing escape modes and requires communication modifications. Additional data requirements were identified and engineering simulations were recommended to develop more current shuttle temperature and humidity profiles. Discussion: After failure of the shuttle ECS, there is insufficient cooling capacity of the ACES to protect crewmembers from rising cabin temperature and humidity. The LCG is inadequate for cabin temperatures above 76 F. Current shuttle future life policy makes it unlikely that major engineering upgrades necessary to address this problem will occur.
Document ID
20060010433
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Stepaniak, P.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Effenhauser, R. K.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
McCluskey, R.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Gillis, D. B.
(Wyle Labs., Inc. United States)
Hamilton, D.
(Wyle Labs., Inc. United States)
Kuznetz, L. H.
(Wyle Labs., Inc. United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Space Transportation And Safety
Meeting Information
Meeting: Aerospace Medicine Association Annual Conference
Location: Kansas City, MO
Country: United States
Start Date: May 8, 2005
End Date: May 12, 2005
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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