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Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory (AHSL)

Texas A&M University College of Engineering

The Microgravity Environment of the Space Shuttle Columbia Payload Bay 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

Over 11 hours of three-axis microgravity accelerometer data were successfully measured in the payload bay of Space Shuttle Columbia as part of the Microgravity Disturbances Experiment on STS-32. These data were measured using the High Resolution Accelerometer Package and the Aerodynamic Coefficient Identification Package which were mounted on the Orbiter keel in the aft payload bay. 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 in the 10(exp -5) G range, treadmill operations in the 10(exp -3) G range, and the Orbiter engine burns in the 10(exp -2) G range. Induced acceleration levels resulting from the SYNCOM satellite deploy were in the 10 (exp -2) G range, and operations during the pre-entry Flight Control System checkout were in the 10(exp -2) to 10(exp -1) G range.

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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