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Comparison of current Shuttle and pre-Challenger flight suit reach capability during launch accelerationsThe Challenger accident prompted the creation of a crew escape system which replaced the former Launch Entry Helmet (LEH) ensemble with the current Launch Entry Suit (LES). However, questions were raised regarding the impact of this change on crew reach capability. This study addressed the question of reach capability and its effects on realistic ground-based training for Space Shuttle missions. Eleven subjects performed reach sweeps in both the LEH and LES suits during 1 and 3 Gx acceleration trials in the Brooks AFB centrifuge. These reach sweeps were recorded on videotape and subsequently analyzed using a 3D motion analysis system. The ANOVA procedure of the Statistical Analysis System program was used to evaluate differences in forward and overhead reach. The results showed that the LES provided less reach capability than its predecessor, the LEH. This study also demonstrated that, since there was no substantial difference between 1 and 3 Gx reach sweeps in the LES, realistic Shuttle launch training may be accomplished in ground based simulators.
Document ID
19920063200
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Bagian, James P.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Schafer, Lauren E.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX; Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co., Southgate, MI, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
Volume: 63
Issue: 7, Ju
ISSN: 0095-6562
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Accession Number
92A45824
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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