Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue
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Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) is a small, self-contained, propulsive backpack system used to provide free-flying mobility for a Space Shuttle or International Space Station (ISS) crewmember during extra-vehicular activity (EVA).[1][2] SAFER is a small, simplified version of the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) intended for contingency use during spacewalks.[3]
[edit] Application
SAFER is designed to be used as a self-rescue device for a separated EVA crewmember in situations when no vehicles can provide rescue capability.[4] SAFER is worn by every ISS crewmember using an Extravehicular Mobility Unit. SAFER was developed by the Robotics Division (with its contractor staff) of NASA at the Johnson Space Center. Prior to ISS, the EVA rescue plan was simply to maneuver the shuttle orbiter to retrieve the astronaut, but because the massive ISS does not have this kind of maneuver capability, it was decided to give the EVA astronauts the ability to maneuver themselves. SAFER was first flown on STS-64 where an untethered flight test was performed. SAFER weighs approximately 83 lb (38 kg) and can provide a total delta-v of at least 10 ft/s (3 m/s).[4]
[edit] Complications
The left side latch on the SAFER unit became unlatched during an EVA by astronaut Piers Sellers on STS-121 while testing shuttle repair techniques.[5][6] The latch had been inadvertently bumped and moved to the unlatch position. As a precaution, Mike Fossum tethered it to him and the spacewalk continued.[7] In subsequent spacewalks, the latches were secured with Kapton tape, a space-rated form of adhesive tape, to prevent the latches from inadvertently opening. A hard cover is being designed for future missions.
[edit] References
- ^ NASA (2000). "STS-92 Day 8 Highlights". NASA. http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/sts-92/sts-92-day-08-highlights.html. Retrieved on October 6, 2008.
- ^ APOD (2001). "Astronomy Picture of the Day A Flying Astronaut Over Earth". NASA. http://www.sai.msu.su/apod/ap011002.html. Retrieved on October 6, 2008.
- ^ NASA (1993). "SAFER Assembly". NASA. http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/luceneweb/caption.jsp?searchpage=true&keywords=SAFER&textsearch=Go&hitsperpage=5&pageno=3&photoId=S93-50137. Retrieved on October 6, 2008.
- ^ a b Broad, William J. (1994). "Shuttle Soars Into Orbit to Test Device for Space Rescues". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A05E5D61F38F933A2575AC0A962958260. Retrieved on October 6, 2008.
- ^ Mike Schneider for the Associated Press (2006). "Duct tape suggested for spacewalk repair". MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13815044/. Retrieved on October 6, 2008.
- ^ Kelly Young (2006). "High drama spacewalk ends in success". New Scientist. http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn9524-high-drama-spacewalk-ends-in-success.html. Retrieved on October 6, 2008.
- ^ Tariq Malik (2006). "Spacewalkers Test Shuttle Heat Shield Repair Technique". Space.com. http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/060712_sts121_eva3.html. Retrieved on October 6, 2008.
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