America's Space Shuttle: EVA Contingency Operations NASA Astronaut Training Manual (CONT OPS 2102)

This unique and historic document provides extraordinary detail about the Space Shuttle's extravehicular activity (EVA) contingency operations plans. The official NASA astronaut training manuals comprised a major part of the formal flight crew training process, and were used by flight controllers as well. These internal NASA manuals were produced by the Mission Operations Directorate (Space Flight Training Division branch) at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The manuals and workbooks are extremely detailed and comprehensive, and are designed for self-study. A full listing of all acronyms and abbreviations used in the text is included. They provide a superb way to learn about Shuttle systems, hardware, and operational procedures. Special emphasis on crew interaction with the displays, controls, and hardware is included.

The extravehicular activity (EVA) contingency operations (CONT OPS) lesson will enable the student to describe the operation of the payload bay doors (PLBDs) and radiators (RADs) under nominal conditions, and to describe the EVA procedures and tools required to operate them during off-nominal conditions as required to deorbit. This lesson will also describe the use of EVA to configure the payload bay (PLB) for deorbit. This includes retracting, securing, or jettisoning payloads for PLBD operations and deorbit. The remote manipulator system (RMS) is also included in these contingency operations.

There are three basic categories of EVA, defined as follows:

• Scheduled EVA - This is defined as any EVA incorporated into the normal crew activity plan (CAP) for the mission.

• Unscheduled EVA-This is an EVA that is not part of the CAP, and is conducted to achieve or enhance the mission objectives of the Orbiter or payloads.

• Contingency EVA - This is an EVA that will require the crewmembers to perform the appropriate tasks to ensure the safe return of the Orbiter and flightcrew.

Complexity - An EVA task is classified as simple, intermediate, or complex

• Simple - A simple payload EVA requires minimal unique tools, mockups, or mobility aids. Existing procedures and techniques may be adapted to particular EVA requirements. Minimal crew training will be required.

• Intermediate - An intermediate payload EVA requires development of new tools and equipment. The cost for development of new payload-unique tools and equipment will be charged as a separate optional service. Some procedure and technique development will be required and more extensive training will be necessary to accomplish the task.

• Complex - A complex payload EVA requires the design and development of complex or elaborate tools and equipment. The tasks require extension of basic capabilities and may pose difficulties in access or restraint. Procedure and technique development will be extensive, as will the crew training requirements.