RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HELMET FACEPIECES FOR SPACE PROTECTIVE ASSEMBLIES.
Abstract
The research and development of an aspherical glass facepiece for a full pressure spacesuit compatible with AF helmet AP-22F-2, capable of protecting an astronaut from hazards of space during a 4-hour extravehicular mission are described. The transparency was to remain fog-free during a condition of zero air flow and 100 percent relative humidity. In addition, facepiece design was to provide sufficient attenuation of solar electromagnetic radiation to assure an astronaut mean facial skin temperature not in excess of 100F. Initial effort was directed toward definition of the extreme space environments for the defined orbit. These environments were simulated in the laboratory for compatibility testing of candidate materials (glasses, optical coatings, and electrically conductive coatings). Additional tests were devised to investigate the effectiveness of anti-fog devices and solar reflective coatings. Test results indicate that, for the particular facepiece configuration and internal and external spacesuit environments defined, a power dissipation of 0.33 watt/sq in is required to maintain a fog-free facepiece; and a mean facial skin temperature of 100F will not be exceeded provided the solar radiation incident on the astronaut's skin is not greater than 0.43 solar constant. Facepiece materials were selected from candidates which satisfactorily withstood the extreme environmental tests. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0652248
Entities
People
- R. M. Rocco