PROGRAM 631A. VOLUME XIII. TECHNICAL REPORT. EXPERIMENT D-16: SPACE POWER TOOL.
Abstract
The problem of reacting the forces and torques applied by an astronaut performing extra-vehicular maintenance has been recognized for several years. One possible solution is to provide the space worker with reactionless tools. A minimum-reaction wrench (the Space Power Tool) was developed under Air Force sponsorship, to confirm this solution aboard an orbiting Gemini vehicle during EVA. The hand-held, battery-powered tool is capable of tightening one-hundred 3/8-inch bolts to a minimum torque of 45 ft-lbs. Experiment hardware was stored in a restraint assembly, which protected the equipment from vibration, shock, and intensive heat. A simple ratchet wrench was included for purposes of comparison in assessing the effectiveness of the reactionless tool. These were to be used for torquing a special bolt, instrumented with strain gages, and for removing and replacing a seven bolt work plate. Both units were mounted on the side of the restraint assembly. Two sets of space-qualified hardware (a Space Power Tool, ratchet handtool, instrumented bolt, work plate, and restraint assembly) were integrated into the retrograde adapters of Gemini Spacecraft 8 and 11. Astronauts were trained aboard a specially-equipped KC-135, flying a zero-g Keplerian trajectory. Training hardware was identical to the flight equipment. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0818996
Entities
People
- Floyd K. Daisey
Organizations
- Glenn L. Martin Company