PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOMEDICAL CAPSULE

Abstract

Development of a prototype nonflyable biomedical capsule was undertaken to investigate the feasibility of supporting a 50-pound primate in a simulated space environment for two days. The capsule provided an oxygen atmosphere at 5 psi pressure, control of relative humidity and temperature and for removal of carbon dioxide and trace gases. A psychomotor system was included for performance evaluation as well as to provide for dispensation of food and water on a reward basis. An instrumentation and a data management system were developed to measure and display key physiological and environmental parameters and to alert observers to out-of-tolerance conditions. The biomedical capsule was subjected to a comprehensive functional test program, which culminated in a test during which a primate was contained for 75-hours, 48 hours of which were in a simulated space environment. The test was counted down and conducted to simulate launch, on-orbit, and re-entry/recovery conditions. It was onclude d that the concept and realization of such a life support system are entirely feasible, utilizing for the most part, established techniques and hardware. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1962
Accession Number
AD0284217

Entities

Organizations

  • Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Atmospheres
  • Biological Phenomena
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Data Management
  • Ecological And Environmental Phenomena
  • Environment
  • Gases
  • Humidity
  • Instrumentation
  • Life Support Systems
  • Observers
  • Prototypes
  • Recovery
  • Space Environments
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Trace Gases

Readers

  • Materials Science
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Space