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The physiological cost of wearing the propellant handler's ensemble at the Kennedy Space CenterThe potential for exposure to toxins used in the propulsion systems of spacecraft dictates the use of a whole body protective suit, the Propellant Handler's Ensemble (PHE) during preflight preparation and launching. The weight, structure, and operating parameters of the PHE may be expected to have a significant impact upon the metabolic, cardiovascular, and thermal responses of the user, especially during ambient temperature extremes and high workload situations. Four male subjects participated in tests in -7, 23, and 43 C (20, 74, and 110 F) environments in two versions of the PHE, the autonomous backpack (BP) and the hoseline (HL) supplied configuration. Measurements included heart rate (HR) rectal temperature, four skin temperatures, oxygen (O2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the helmet area, interior suit temperature, and suit pressure. Exercise metabolism was estimated from HR, PHE weight, and treadmill speed and grade. The HR responses between each PHE configuration were not statistically different. As a percentage of HR maximum, the mean values were 79 percent (COLD), 84 percent (LAB), and 90 percent (HOT). Helmet O2 and CO2 levels were correlated with percent HR max (P less than 0.001). Rectal temperatures were similar for each PHE configuration, except in the HOT exposure where the BP version exceeded the HL configuration (P less than 0.05). In nearly every instance the HR was driven to moderately high levels, the supplied respiratory gases were not optimum, and thermal adversity was a primary stressor. Our findings suggest that medical and physical fitness standards, along with operational restrictions, should be imposed upon PHE users to avoid situations that could adversely affect the worker.
Document ID
19900013650
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Schonfeld, Brian R. (Bionetics Corp. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Doerr, Donald F. (Bionetics Corp. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Tomaselli, Clare Marie (Bionetics Corp. Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-102786
NAS 1.15:102786
Accession Number
90N22966
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS10-10285
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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