Technical Paper
Role of the Manned Maneuvering Unit for the Space Station
1986-10-01
861834
The manned maneuvering unit (MMU) is a self-contained backpack with all the necessary systems to enable the extravehicular activity (EVA) astronaut to fly free in space and reach work areas remote from the supporting spacecraft. An experimental MMU tested onboard the NASA Skylab Program orbital workshop established key piloting characteristics and capability base for future MMU systems. An operational MMU now exists for the Space Shuttle Program. This versatile mobility system has been flown on nine sorties and accumulated 10 hr and 22 min of flying time during three Space Shuttle missions. These Space Shuttle flights have demonstrated a capability for free space traverses up to 98 m (320 ft), cargo transfer, and tracking, docking, stabilizing, and orienting large satellites. These and additional MMU capabilities will benefit the Space Station and its onboard payloads.
