Technical Paper
An Evaluation of Options to Satisfy Space Station EVA Requirements
1986-07-14
861008
The Space Station mission requirements for initial frequent use of EVA require the modification of the existing Shuttle suit and the Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). Options for a Space Station EVA space suit are described and evaluated in light of the Space Station mission human and environmental requirements. The evaluation is made to select the most cost-effective and technologically feasible alternative that meets the requirements. Requirements considered include; (1) the heavy, almost industrial use, of the suit, (2) long operational life, (3) on-orbit maintenance and fit check, (4) high mobility, (5) rapid don/doff, 6) high pressure for zero pre-breath, (7) radiation protection, (8) micrometeoroid/space debris protection, (9) thermal insulation, (10) contamination/ decontamination factors, (11) automatic checkout, and (12) low development and recurring costs.