Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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). SAFER is a small, simplified version of the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) intended for contingency use only.

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. 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. SAFER was first flown on STS-64 where an untethered flight test was performed. SAFER weighs approximately 76 lb (34 kg) and can provide a total delta-v of at least 10 ft/s (3 m/s).

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. 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. 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.

[edit] External links

• NASAExplores: A SAFER Way To Space Walk