Abstract

The Space Transportation System (STS) has provided this nation with an important resource that will support a broad spectrum of orbital work activity including servicing a new generation of satellites. The STS Orbiter provides the workbase from which space operations can be conducted by astronauts working in both intravehicular activity (IVA) and extravehicular activity (EVA) inodes. Working in the EVA mode, astronauts will use the Shuttle EMU.

The Space Telescope and Space Platform are two new satellites being designed for on-orbit service which will utilize EVA capabilities. Satellite design considerations include astronaut safety, hardware interfaces, hardware maintainability and EVA support equipment. Satellite service operational considerations include crew training, time-line analysis, logistics and service procedures. EVA task simulations will play a key role in evaluating satellite and EVA support equipment designs and servicing procedures.

This paper discusses satellite service design and operational issues. Features of the Shuttle EMU that will support astronauts working in space are discussed. Results of a recent EVA satellite service task simulation are presented which demonstrate the range of Shuttle EMU work capabilities. The results verify the superior mobility and glove dexterity of the Shuttle EMU when compared to the Apollo A7-LB space suit system.

© 1982 AIAA