Equipment that is used by Space Shuttle astronauts must meet the highest standards of safety, quality and reliability. From complex space suits to emergency escape equipment, flight crew equipment must work ΓÇô first time, every time. Because when youΓÇÖre flying in space, a quick run to the hardware store is not an option.
Flight crew equipment processing includes inspection, maintenance, repair and, in some cases, actual fabrication of:
Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) ΓÇô Space suits worn by astronauts during their space walks and for crew training in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab and the Crew Compartment Trainers.
Crew Escape Equipment ΓÇô Launch/Entry suits and associated survival gear for use in the event of a malfunction of the Shuttle during ascent or re-entry.
Crew Clothing - All of the clothing and personal hygiene items the crew uses during missions and for associated training.
Camera Equipment ΓÇô Sophisticated cameras used to film mission experiments, earth observations and public service downlinks for public broadcast.
Locker Cushions - Custom cushions cut and formed to retain stowed hardware in the OrbiterΓÇÖs mid-deck lockers, flight deck lockers and airlock storage bags for each mission.
Electronics - Power and data cables for flight/training, operational bioinstrumentation system hardware processing and altitude chamber support, communications hardware processing such as the extravehicular communications radio and wireless crew communication system processing, testing and design support of the Galley, processing and testing of camcorders and video tape recorder assemblies.
Payload General Support Computers - Command and display of non-critical payloads and additional crew information services, logistics support, maintenance and repair, loaner pool support, real-time in-flight support and post flight evaluations of hardware.
Batteries - Batteries of all types are required as power sources in space. Batteries are needed for equipment such as space suits, cameras, recorders and radios.
