EVA Simulation // ISU-SH SSP13 Neutral Buoyancy Workshop
The skills they will develop from this experience are ones that extend beyond the theoretical." ESA Astronaut Paolo Nespoli, Official observer.
EVA SIMULATION TRAINING UNDERWATER WITH A REMOTE MISSION 'CONTROL'.
An ISU-SH SSP Workshop by Dr. Sarah Jane Pell
Introduction
An ambitious workshop designed to introduce participants of the International Space University Southern Hemisphere Summer Space Program to the rigors of EVA (Extra Vehicular Activity or spacewalk) and the complexities of working in neutral buoyancy facilities (WET) and interdisciplinary networked environments (DRY). Conducted with two teams of 20 people, over two days, and across two-locations, the EVA simulation training exercise aimed at challenging and connecting the activities of participants in the water with those of a remote mission control. The mission objective was to perform a simulated EVA to complete the installation of the 'D'Under Arm (an Australian response to the Canadian Arm). Under the supervision and remote control of a mission control center, the spacewalkers, wearing regular SCUBA gear in a 3-meter deep pool, were to egress through an airlock (simulated by hula hoops); transport hardware and tools to the work-site using speci c tethering protocols; complete the hardware installation with semi-real time rudimentary instructions from mission control; attach a calibration tool to the end of the installation; maneuver the 'D'Under Arm to perform an inspection, and translate back to the airlock with their tools.
Discussion
Mission Objectives
EVA Simulation - ISS Payload Repair
Perform a simulated EVA to complete the installation of the 'D'Under Arm (an Australian response to the Canadian Arm). Under the supervision and remote control of a mission control center, the spacewalkers, wearing regular SCUBA gear in a 3-meter deep pool, were to egress through an airlock (simulated by hula hoops); transport hardware and tools to the work-site using speci c tethering protocols; complete the hardware installation with semi-real time rudimentary instructions from mission control; attach a calibration tool to the end of the installation; maneuver the 'D'Under Arm to perform an inspection, and translate back to the airlock with their tools.
EVA Training Simulation Rules
- Items and bodies must be tethered at all times
- Touch handrails (and pool walls/floor) are only for translation
- Use only D-rings or translation wires for attaching safety tethers
- Any object that floats or falls without a tether, is ‘lost in space’
- Avoid danger or keep out zones
EVA Simulation Pell Workshop Adealide Scuba and UniSA. ISU-SH SSP13 Photos Rob Hunt.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Dive Supervisor directs and monitors on-deck the pre and post-dive activities of the Trainee Astronauts, Top-side Safety Officer, Utility Divers and Camera Operators, and deck support personnel.
The Mission Control team is responsible for leading the EVA operations in cooperation with the Time Keeper and supervised by the Operations. Both are in the Mission Control Room, with a Medical and a Safety Officer, responsible for the wellbeing and safety of the crew and the safety of the operations; a Technical Officer responsible for the safe operations of the payload and repair protocol; and an Audio/Visual Operator to ensure the distribution and recording of all required signals.
In-water and deck-side crews include: the Astronaut observer, the technical support, the documentation guy, a dive instructor, two safety divers, communications team, safety officer, and the roaming medical/sun-smart officer. Alumni, faculty and media observers were also onsite.
Simulation Tools and Hardware
Added Complexity
Disturbances were introduced during the scripted run (EVA Simulation) to exercise situational awareness, communication skills and decision-making. For example, the first workshop included a ‘meteor shower’ (indicated by ball barings sliding down the side of the pool) disrupting operations and forcing the trainees to secure their tools, and return to the safety of the airlock.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support and contribution of the all the friends and faculty of ISU SH SSP who helped to ensure the success of the 2013 - EVA NB SIM Workshop. Special thanks to:
- Terry Clark for his great work on the "D'Under Arm" & "Bucket-cam" installation.
- Josh D'Ambrosia and his dive team at Adelaide Scuba.
- Michael Davis, Mark McKay, Rob Hunt and all faculty that made this possible.
- ESA Astronaut Paolo Nespoli for his guidance, insight and feedback.
International Space University SH 2013
International Space University (ISU) Southern Hemisphere, Summer Session Program (SH-SSP), held at the University of South Australia, Maswon Lakes Campus, Adelaide 2013
Click to watch this video:The divers proudly hold the ISU flag at the conclusion of the final Neutral Buoyancy EVA simulation — with Trainee Astronauts Chris Butt and Brooke Balogh at Adelaide Scuba.
EVA NB SIM A ISU-SH SSP13 Mission Patch - Courtesy Imagine_Engine (Theresa) Fiverr.com
ISU-SH-SSP13 EVA NB SIM A
Trainee Astronauts
TALBOT | KULKARNI | KANJIR | ORTEGA
EVA NB SIM B ISU-SH SSP13 Mission Patch - Courtesy Imagine_Engine (Theresa) Fiverr.com
ISU-SH-SSP13 EVA NB SIM B
Trainee Astronauts
YEH | OH | BALOGH | BUTT
