Apollo/Skylab A7L

The space suit A7L was used by NASA astronauts for the Apollo program, the three manned Skylab flights, and the Apollo - Soyuz Test Project 1968-1975. It was developed and manufactured by ILC Dover, based on their previous models A5L and A6L, the thermal control and protection integrated micrometeorites, and is considered the seventh space suit, which was developed for the Apollo program. In addition, after the deadly fire of Apollo 1, a number of materials have been replaced with flame-retardant or non-combustible.

  • 2.1 Apollo 15-17
  • 2.2 specifications
  • 2.3 Skylab
  • 2.4 specifications
  • 2.5 ASTP
  • 2.6 specifications
  • 3.1 specifications

Construction

The A7L is a one piece, essentially five-ply body suit with integrated rubber joints at the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips and legs. The joints are reinforced with a net-like fabric, in order to avoid swelling under the internal pressure and thus to maintain the mobility of the astronauts. On the neck and on the sleeves metal rings are incorporated in the helmet and the gloves are recognized; the shoes, however, are an integral part of the suit. The jokingly referred to as " fish bowl " ( fishbowl ) designated helmet is a single piece of Plexiglass and not only allows better visibility than previous models, but also eliminates the otherwise necessary gaskets and is therefore more reliable. The outer refractory layer of the suit is removable and allows repairs and inspections. Entry is from the rear / bottom with a zipper that runs from the shoulder up to the crotch. It can be operated by the carrier itself, the help of another person for easy on - and-drop but still well.

Specifications

  • Title: Apollo space suit A7L
  • Manufacturer: International Latex Corporation ( ILC) (suit), Dover and Hamilton Standard ( life support system )
  • Missions: Apollo 7 to Apollo 14
  • Function: work within ( IVA ) or outside (EVA ) of the vehicle
  • Internal pressure: 25.5 kPa, pure oxygen
  • Mass ( IVA ): 28.1 kg
  • Mass ( EVA): 34.5 kg
  • Total mass including life support system: 91 kg
  • Autonomy: 6 hours
  • Emergency system: 30 minutes

Carrying method for EVA

The main location was the Torso Limb Suit Assembly. The supply of oxygen and cooling water as well as the electrical connection for the headset and the biological data were performed on six color-coded bayonet connectors which were mounted in two rows on the chest. Gas inlets and outlets were present in duplicate and allowed the astronauts, therefore, to connect to their portable life support systems while they remained connected to the supply of the Lunar Module.

About this position was the thermal and Mikrometeroitenschutz Integrated Thermal Micrometeroid Garment, who kept the suit and its wearer from abrasion, sunlight and Mikrometeroiten. It consisted of 13 layers of nylon, aluminum-coated Mylar, Dacron, Kapton and an outer layer of Teflon -coated Beta fabric. This beta tissue consisted essentially of glass fibers and made for the desired fire resistance. Critical points on the back, the space required for the moon over boots and gloves were reinforced with steel mesh and knees and shoulders additionally covered with Teflon.

Starting with Apollo 13 additional red strips were attached to the helmet and the legs of the commander in order to identify the two astronauts better photos.

The working on the moon astronauts wore as an innermost layer, a special cooling device, the three-layer Liquid Cooling Garment. Inside, water hoses were incorporated, which cool the astronauts and should prevent perspiration and fogging of the helmet. The water was pumped from the life support system through the suit and held by a Sublimationskühler on temperature. These suits were also equipped with exterior pockets for moon rocks and equipment as well as tabs to be fixed in the lunar module can.

Carrying method for IVA

The pilot of the CM was wearing a slightly simplified suit, in which some of the connections and joints of the Torso Limb Suit Assembly accounted for. In addition he wore a three-layer only Intravehicular cover layer of Nomex and Beta - tissue, and as an outer shell, a layer of cotton fabric (Constant Wear Garment). The cooling was carried out directly by the oxygen, which came from the systems of the spacecraft.

IVA configuration for CM- commander

IVA configuration

A7LB space suit (Apollo, Skylab and ASTP )

Apollo 15-17

For the last three Apollo moon flights 15, Apollo 16 and Apollo 17, the astronauts used on the moon, a further development of this suit. In particular, the mobility was improved at the neck and the waist, allowing the astronauts, the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) to ride in a sitting position. Connections and zipper were changed, allowing for easier access.

The portable life support systems ( knapsack ) received larger tanks for oxygen and cooling water, an additional lithium hydroxide for separation of carbon dioxide and enhanced batteries. On the inside of the helmet small energy bars and straws was mounted so that the astronauts could strengthen during their stay.

The suit of the CM- pilots rescue of films from the SM was part of its task during the return flight, based still on the A7L and was powered and cooled during this EVA from the CM. He wore this helmet of the commander.

Specifications

  • Title: Apollo space suit A7LB
  • Manufacturer: International Latex Corporation ( ILC) (suit), Dover and Hamilton Standard ( life support system )
  • Missions: Apollo 15 and Apollo 17
  • Function: work within ( IVA ) or outside (EVA ) of the vehicle
  • Internal pressure: 25.5 kPa, pure oxygen
  • Mass ( IVA ): 29.3 kg
  • Mass ( EVA): 35.4 kg
  • Total mass including life support system: 96.2 kg
  • Autonomy: 7 hours
  • Emergency system: 30 minutes

Skylab

For the three manned Skylab missions simplified suits were used on the basis of A7LB, since only short EVAs had expected for maintenance purposes. For the protection of optical instruments used SkyLab life support on the moon has been replaced by a closed circuit, which was connected to the breathing air - cooling systems and the space station. The astronauts were therefore connected via an umbilical cord with Skylab and wore only an emergency system with oxygen for 30 minutes with the right leg.

Specifications

  • Title: Apollo space suit A7LB for Skylab
  • Missions: Skylab Skylab 2 to 4
  • Mass ( EVA): 32.7 kg
  • Total mass including life support system: 64.9 kg
  • Life support: by Space Station
  • Emergency system: 30 minutes

ASTP

For ASTP also came a simplified version of A7LB used because no EVAs were provided.

Specifications

  • Title: Apollo space suit A7LB for ASTP
  • Missions: ASTP
  • Mass ( IVA ): 29.3 kg
  • Life support: by spacecraft
  • Rescue system: none

Life support system

The portable life support system (Portable Life Support System, PLSS ) for the stay on the moon was constructed in the form of a knapsack. He provided his support with oxygen and cooling water, regulated the pressure of the suit, removed the carbon dioxide from the air and allowed a voice communications. Part of the water was lost. The operation was carried out by a small console on the chest of the astronaut. Water and oxygen could be refilled several times from the systems of the spacecraft. The emergency system (Oxygen Purge System), which held up oxygen in an open circuit for 30 minutes, was mounted on the top. It was never put to use.

The devices were no longer needed for the return flight and remained as overboots, gloves and other equipment back on the moon.

Specifications

  • Title: Apollo PLSS
  • Dimensions: 66 cm height, 46 cm width, 25 cm depth
  • Weight (empty ): 38 kg
  • Consumables: oxygen for 4 h under 7.0 MPa (for 8 hours with 10.0 MPa for the missions J )
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