Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue

Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) is a small, self-contained, propulsive backpack system used to provide free-flying mobility for a Space Shuttle or International Space Station (ISS) crewmember during extra-vehicular activity (EVA).Cite web|url=http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/sts-92/sts-92-day-08-highlights.html|title=STS-92 Day 8 Highlights|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=October 6|publisher=NASA|year=2000|author=NASA] Cite web|url=http://www.sai.msu.su/apod/ap011002.html|title=Astronomy Picture of the Day A Flying Astronaut Over Earth |accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=October 6|publisher=NASA|year=2001|author=APOD] SAFER is a small, simplified version of the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) intended for contingency use during spacewalks.Cite web|url=http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/luceneweb/caption.jsp?searchpage=true&keywords=SAFER&textsearch=Go&hitsperpage=5&pageno=3&photoId=S93-50137|title=SAFER Assembly|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=October 6|publisher=NASA|year=1993|author=NASA]

Application

SAFER is designed to be used as a self-rescue device for a separated EVA crewmember in situations when no vehicles can provide rescue capability.Cite web|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A05E5D61F38F933A2575AC0A962958260|title=Shuttle Soars Into Orbit to Test Device for Space Rescues |accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=October 6|publisher=The New York Times|year=1994|author=Broad, William J.] SAFER is worn by every crewmember using an Extravehicular Mobility Unit. SAFER was developed by the Robotics Division of NASA at the Johnson Space Center. Prior to ISS, the EVA rescue plan was simply to maneuver the shuttle orbiter to retrieve the astronaut, but because the massive ISS does not have this kind of maneuver capability, it was decided to give the EVA astronauts the ability to maneuver themselves. SAFER was first flown on STS-64 where an untethered flight test was performed. SAFER weighs approximately 83 lb (38 kg) and can provide a total delta-v of at least 10 ft/s (3 m/s).

Complications

The left side latch on the SAFER unit became unlatched during an EVA by astronaut Piers Sellers on STS-121 while testing shuttle repair techniques.Cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13815044/|title=Duct tape suggested for spacewalk repair|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=October 6|publisher=MSNBC|year=2006|author=Mike Schneider for the Associated Press] Cite web|url=http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn9524-high-drama-spacewalk-ends-in-success.html|title=High drama spacewalk ends in success|accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=October 6|publisher=New Scientist|year=2006|author=Kelly Young] The latch had been inadvertently bumped and moved to the unlatch position. As a precaution, Mike Fossum tethered it to him and the spacewalk continued.Cite web|url=http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/060712_sts121_eva3.html|title=Spacewalkers Test Shuttle Heat Shield Repair Technique |accessyear=2008|accessmonthday=October 6|publisher=Space.com|year=2006|author=Tariq Malik] In subsequent spacewalks, the latches were secured with Kapton tape, a space-rated form of adhesive tape, to prevent the latches from inadvertently opening. A hard cover is being designed for future missions.

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