Astronaut Thermal Exposure: Re-Entry After Low Earth Orbit Rescue MissionThe STS-125 mission, launched May 11, 2009, is the final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. The repair mission's EVA tasks are described, including: installing a new wide field camera; installing the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph; repairing the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph; installing a new outer blanket layer; adding a Soft Capture and Rendezvous System for eventual controlled deorbit in about 2014; replacing the 'A' side Science Instrument Command and Data Handling module; repairing the Advanced Camera for surveys; and, replacing the rate sensor unit gyroscopes, fine guidance sensors and 3 batteries. Additionally, the Shuttle crew cabin thermal environment is described. A CFD model of per person CO2 demonstrates a discrepancy between crew breathing volume and general mid-deck levels of CO2. A follow-on CFD analysis of the mid-deck temperature distribution is provided. Procedural and engineering mitigation plans are presented to counteract thermal exposure upon reentry to the Earth atmosphere. Some of the procedures include: full cold soak the night prior to deorbit; modifying deck stowage to reduce interference with air flow; and early securing of avionics post-landing to reduce cabin thermal load prior to hatch opening. Engineering mitigation activities include modifying the location of the aft starboard ICUs, eliminating the X3 stack and eliminating ICU exhaust air directed onto astronauts; improved engineering data of ICU performance; and, verifying the adequacy of mid-deck temperature control using CFD models in addition to lumped parameter models. Post-mitigation CFD models of mid-deck temperature profiles and distribution are provided.
Document ID
20090020434
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Gillis, David B. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Hamilton, Douglas
Ilcus, Stana
Stepaniak, Phil
Son, Chang
Bue, Grant
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
May 6, 2009
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-18263Report Number: JSC-CN-18263
Meeting Information
Meeting: 80th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA)