National Aeronautics and Space
Administration
Groud-based & Small Payloads Research
In Space Life Sciences
THE INTERACTION OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH AND ENTRY SUIT AND
SUSTAINED WEIGHTLESSNESS ON EGRESS LOCOMOTION
Principal Investigator
Michael C. Greenisen, Ph.D.
SD5/Space Biomedical Research Institute
NASA Johnson Space Center
Houston, TX 77058
Co-Investigators:
Gideon B. Ariel, Ph.D.
Visiting Scientist
Universities Space Research Association
John D. Probe, M.E.
Visiting Research Engineer
Universities Space Research Association
Suzanne M. Fortney, Ph.D.
SD5/Space Biomedical Research Institute
NASA Johnson Space Center
Houston, Texas 77058
Mark S. Sothmann, Ph.D.
Department of Human Kinetics
School of Allied Health Professions
University of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Authorizing Institute Official:
Donald E. Robbins, Ph.D. [date]
Acting Director
Space and Life Sciences
ABSTRACT
The physical ability of astronaut crews, after space flight, to successfully egress
(walk/run) away from the vehicle in an emergency situation is unknown.
The purpose of this study is to determine the consequences of extended periods of
weightlessness during space missions on astronauts' abilities and characteristics of
locomotion while wearing the Space Shuttle Launch and Entry Suit (LES).(B) N/A(C) First
year of this study provides 7 flight opportunities including two 16-day missions. The
study will initiate on or about December 01,1994, 45 days before launch of STi67, a 16-day
mission.
This study requires astronauts to walk with a velocity of 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph) for 5
minutes on a motorized treadmill in two phases: Phase 1) Forty five days (L-45) before
flight astronauts will be tested in three conditions: (a) unsuited, wearing workout attire
and flight boots, (b) suited, wearing the complete LES ensemble with visor open breathing
ambient air, and c) wearing the LES with the visor down breathing from the SCBA (self
contained breathing apparatus). Each astronaut will walk with a velocity of 5.6 km/h (3.5
mph) for 5 minutes, 466 m (1531 ft) on a motorized treadmill. During the treadmill
locomotion test, two camera video recordings, oxygen consumption, and physiological
measures will be accomplished.
Phase 2) The treadmill will be placed in and secured to the floor of the Crew
Transportation Vehicle (CTV) which picks up the astronauts after landing. CTV data will be
limited to the LES suited condition, visor down breathing from the SCBA, taken while the
CTV remains motionless. Video, oxygen uptake and physiotogical data will be collected
using methods comparable to those for preflight testing. Data from this study will
contribute to a countermeasure which enhances successful astronaut egress locomotion.
Project Summary
The ability of astronauts to egress the Shuttle, particularly during emergency
conditions, is likely to be reduced following physiological adaptations in space. The
escape locomotion phase of egress where crewmembers will be required to walk/run away from
the vehicle wearing the cumbersome 35.4 kg (78 lbs.) space flight launch and entry suit
(LES) is an untested area of Space Shuttle operations.
The purpose of this study is to determine the consequences of extended periods of
weightlessness during space missions on astronauts' abilities and characteristics of
locomotion while wearing the LES. Thirty astronauts (both females and males) will be
requested to participate in this study. This study requires astronauts to walk with a
velocity of 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph) for 5 minutes on a motorized treadmill in two phases:
1) preflight in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center, and 2)
postflight onboard the Crew Transportation Vehicle (CTV) as it retrieves each returning
space flight crew after landing/wheel stop. Phase 1) Forty five days (L-45) before flight
astronauts will be tested in three conditions: (a) unsuited, wearing workout attire and
flight boots, (b) suited, wearing the complete LES ensemble with visor open breathing
ambient air, and c) wearing the LES with the visor down breathing from the SCBA (self
contained breathing apparatus). Each astronaut will walk with a velocity of 5.6 km/h (3.5
mph) for 5 minutes, 466 meters (1531 ft) on a motorized treadmill. During the treadmill
locomotion test, two camera video recordings, oxygen consumption and physiological
measures will be accomplished.
Phase 2) The treadmill will be placed in and secured to the floor of the CTV which
picks up the astronauts after landing. CTV data will be limited to the LES suited
condition, visor down breathing from the SCBA, taken while the CTV remains motionless.
Video, oxygen uptake, and physiological data will be collected using methods comparable to
those for preflight testing.
Video Motion Data Analysis
The video tapes from each subject will be processed by an Ariel Performance Analysis
System. Using computer assisted screen displays, the video tape is digitized
frame-by-frame to provide three dimensional movement data. This system uses mathematical
equations to transform input data to velocity of movements, center of gravity
displacements, acceleration of body limbs, and forces (Abdel-Aziz, Karara, 1971, Zernicke,
1976, and Shapiro, 1978).
This data may be printed out and is available for on screen viewing. This
video motion analysis technique will determine any deviation in gait during treadmill
locomotion after landing compared to preflight gait (Figures 8 and 9). Analysis of
variance will be applied to the changes in mechanical performance to determine any
significant differences (p