This is an archive of information released in the past. Disclaimer: It may contain broken links or outdated information. Some parts may not function in current web browsers.
 
ISS TopJAXA Top  sitemap
 
Kibo Development Takes Much Physical Strength

EVA Procedures and Equipment Evaluated in Advance
Astronaut surrounded by support divers and NASDA engineers in the EVA weightless environment simulation test
The International Space Station (ISS) will be operated for over 10 years. During this period, it will be necessary for astronauts to perform extravehicular activities (EVAs) to maintain ISS. To ensure that these activities can take place as originally planned, it is necessary to evaluate the EVA procedures, tools, and support equipment in advance. EVA weightless environment simulation tests are conducted to support these evaluations.

The fourth EVA weightless environment simulation test was conducted from August 24 to October 9, 1998. The right figure shows a photograph of an astronaut wearing a space suit used in the underwater tests. Astronauts practice EVAs in a simulated weightless space environment created by neutral buoyancy underwater in order to confirm whether EVA planning is correct or not.

Several divers surround the astronaut to support the astronaut's activities in the underwater test. In addition, another group of divers prepares for the tests to ensure that things go smoothly. NASDA engineers who designed the Kibo EVA activities can also be seen.

NASDA engineer also Receive Diving Training
Preparations for the simulated weightless environment test. Astronaut entering the water on the diving platform
Weightless environment test equipment used in performing underwater EVA simulation

The validity of EVA procedures cannot be evaluated without actual performance. Therefore, NASDA engineers need to work side-by-side with the astronauts to observe the performance and to confirm if the procedures they have developed are appropriate or not. This simulated environment enables the NASDA engineer divers to experience the weightlessness of space. This is an entirely new duty for NASDA engineers, one that was not encountered in the development of satellites and rockets.

The NASDA engineer divers had to overcome the following three obstacles because a careless mistake underwater can lead to an accident. The first hurdle was mastering the necessary skills for underwater duties. These skills included diving regulations, physiological changes under water, and using underwater equipment. To overcome the first obstacle, NASDA engineers were obliged to take a national examination to be certified as divers. This is simply a certificate, which does not involve actual underwater testing.

This leads to the second obstacle, which is to master the necessary skills to conduct underwater activities properly and safely. To acquire these skills, NASDA engineers don wet suits, strap air tanks to their backs, and practice with fins. In addition to these diving skills, NASDA engineers need to develop keen observation skills. Combining these skills, the NASDA engineers must observe the activities of the underwater astronaut while experiencing a simulated weightless environment. To master these kinds of skills, it is necessary for the NASDA engineers to obtain a certification card (C-card). NASDA engineers attended several diving school sessions to obtain the certification card.

Hard Training in Preparation for Emergencies
Training at the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center
Underwater activities do not always proceed as planned. Careless mistakes and unavoidable external factors may make it necessary to perform an emergency evacuation. It is important to deal with these emergency situations calmly, and this is the third obstacle. NASDA engineers must receive special training to obtain the presence of mind and techniques to deal with these emergencies calmly and properly so as not to panic under any situation, no matter how bad they are.

The training to overcome the third obstacle is very strict. It includes courses by veteran instructors to master advanced diving techniques. The training curriculum originally was developed for professional divers such as firefighters and police. This advanced training was conducted at the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center in Yokosuka City where trainees stayed for several days.

Even through the standard of the strict curriculum were loosened, it was only solace to NASDA engineers, and the situation was not changed very much. They received training for five days to build their skills and self-confidence so they would not panic in difficult situations. For example, they learned to swim while weighted down using only their fins, practiced how to respond when their snorkels fill with water, and experienced having their masks and regulators removed while underwater. Some trainees were totally exhausted on the first day of training. Others complained that they wanted to escape from such rigorous training. Still others felt bitter against their supervisors who sent them to the training. The trainees felt a variety of emotions but endured the difficult training.

Expected Characteristics of Space Development Engineers
Probably none of the engineers believed that they would undergo such training when they entered NASDA. However, in developing manned space systems, designers themselves must use the systems first to confirm their usability before the systems are used by astronauts.

Until now, NASDA engineers were expected to have the technological and managerial skills to implement projects smoothly. However, in addition to these skills, NASDA engineers are now expected to have physical strength as well. This is a new characteristic required for NASDA engineers. In the current era, book study alone will not be sufficient for manned space development, and those engineers involved in manned space development must now have both "brains and brawn."


Last Updated : January 19, 2000

JAXA Top Site Policy