A Methodology for Training International Space Station Crews to Respond to On-Orbit Emergencies

Document Number: 2009-01-2446

Date Published: July 2009

Author(s):
Clinton Balmain - United Space Alliance
Mark Fleming - United Space Alliance

Abstract:
In spaceflight operations, the training a crewmember receives on responding to onboard emergencies is of utmost importance. In a high-stress, high-adrenaline situation, crewmembers will have to rely heavily on the training they have received to properly execute the correct procedural response. Working within multiple constraints, NASA instructors have developed and continuously fine-tuned the emergency response training in an effort to make it both as efficient and effective as possible.

Critical to this training are the Emergency Scenarios lessons that take place in the Space Station Mockup Training Facility (SSMTF). This training allows the crewmembers to execute the emergency response procedures in a facility that simulates the size and feel of the actual International Space Station. In addition, the classes are typically conducted with the actual crew complement that will be onboard. When possible, real flight controllers, flight directors, and CapComs are included in the training as well.

The authors of this paper have spent several years training crewmembers in emergency response procedures, both as Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) instructors and Station Training Leads (STLs). We have worked with multiple ISS crews and dealt with many different crew complements. This paper will recount some of our experiences from conducting this very important training and attempt to capture some lessons-learned that can be used when developing the next generation of emergency training.

File Size: 182K
Product Status: In Stock

See other papers presented at International Conference On Environmental Systems, July 2009, Savannah, GA, USA, Session: Human Factors for Space Missions: Ground and Flight Operations (Part 1 of 2)

Purchase more technical papers and save! With TechSelect, you decide what SAE Technical Papers you need, when you need them, and how much you want to pay. Learn more >