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Trapped protons and electrons in the low earth orbit (LEO) environment of the International Space Station (ISS) encountered during extra-vehicular activity (EVA) may contribute significantly to the cumulative exposure sustained by crew during extended stay missions. A recently developed CAD model of the U. S. Shuttle Space Suit is used to define the shielding properties inherent in the space suit. The model incorporates 28 separate components of the suit, with particular attention given to the helmet and backpack assemblies. Proton and electron energy spectra are taken from the NASA AP8 and AE8 environment models for solar maximum and minimum, and a simulated magnetic storm condition is derived from a 3-sigma projection of the nominal condition. Heavy-ion and electron transport codes developed at NASA-Langley are used in conjunction with the variety of space suit materials, including constituents containing metallic and non-metallic compounds as well as organic polymers.

Human factors egress testing of the HL-20 Personnel Launch System, a reusable flight vehicle for Space Station crew rotation, was conducted in both the vertical (launch) and horizontal (landing) positions using a full-scale model. Ingress and egress of 10-person crews were investigated with volunteers representing a range of heights. For both the vertical and horizontal positions, interior structural keels had little impact on egress times which were generally less than 30 seconds. Wearing Shuttle partial pressure suits required somewhat more egress time than when ordinary flight suits were worn due to the larger helmet of the Shuttle suit.