Evaluation of Thermal Stress Induced by NASA Crew Altitude Protective System
Abstract
The Crew Altitude Protection System (CAPS) and the Navy CWU- 62/P anti-exposure garment have been evaluated for their impact on aircrew performance in a simulated Space Shuttle cabin environment. Conditions were designed to simulate an extreme pre-launch situation, with chamber temperatures maintained at dry bulb temperature = 26.7 + or - 0.1 C and wet bulb temperature = 21.5 + or - 0.3 C. Four males, ages 23-38, were studied in each of the garments, with two subjects having two exposures in each ensemble. Test durations were designed for 480 minutes, which all subjects had no difficulty in achieving. No significant differences related related to configuration were noted in rectal and mean skin temperatures, local surface heat fluxes, or sweat rates. Statistically significant differences observed for heart rate and VO2 max were not thought to be physiologically significant. Cognitive performance was also found to be independent of garment or test conditions. The results indicate that these garments pose no danger of inducing unacceptable heat stress under the conditions expected within the Shuttle cabin during normal launch or re- entry. Keywords: Hyperthermia; Anti-exposure protection; Space shuttle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA214379
Entities
People
- Jonathan Kaufman
- Katherine Dejeneka
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster