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Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory (AHSL)

Texas A&M University College of Engineering

The Microgravity Environment of the Space Shuttle Columbia Middeck During STS-32

Bonnie J. Dunbar, Robert L. Giesecke, Donald A. Thomas

The Microgravity Environment of the Space Shuttle Columbia Payload Bay During STS-32

November 1991

Four hours of three-axis microgravity accelerometer data were successfully measured at the MA9F locker location in the Orbiter middeck of Columbia as part of the Microgravity Disturbances Experiment (MDE) on STS-32. These data were measured using the Honeywell In-Space Accelerometer, a small three-axis accelerometer that was hard-mounted onto the Fluid Experiment Apparatus to record the microgravity environment at the exact location of the MDE. Data were recorded during specific mission events such as Orbiter quiescent periods, crew exercise on the treadmill, and numerous Orbiter engine burns. Orbiter background levels were measured to be in the 3 x 10(exp -5) to 2 x 10(exp -4) G range, treadmill operations in the 6 x 10(exp -4) to 5 x 10(exp -3) G range, and Orbiter engine burns from 4 x 10(exp -3) to in excess of 1 x 10(exp -2) G. These data represent some of the first microgravity accelerometer data ever recorded in the middeck area of the Orbiter.

Recent Publications

  • Comparison of 3D Photogrammetric and Laser Hand Scans to Manual Measurement Methods for EVA Glove Fabrication
  • Skin Temperature Changes in a Microgravity Analog: Informing the Next Generation EVA Liquid Cooled Ventilation Garment (LCVG)
  • Microgravity and Partial Gravity Fluid Physics: Bubble Formation and Movement in Variable Gravity Environments
  • Modelling of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Suits using VitronicsĀ® Vitus Laser Scanning Coupled with CAD/Vidya Software for Fabric Behaviors
  • Finite Element Analysis of Human Index Finger-EVA Glove Pressure Bladder Interaction

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