Orlan space suit

The Orlan space suit (Russian Орлан for Eagle ) is a Russian space suit, which is used in contrast to the Russian Sokol spacesuit for spacewalks. The space suit manufactured by NPP Zvezda was first used in 1977 and is currently mainly used for assembly work for the construction of the International Space Station (ISS ) was used.

Variants

There are several variants of the Orlan space suit. The versions Orlan -D, Orlan -DM, Orlan - DMA, Orlan -M and Orlan -MK are or have been used in space, the models Orlan -GN, Orlan Orlan -T and V are used for training purposes. The Orlan -GN is used for training in the pool, the Orlan -T for airlock maneuvers and with the Orlan - V be practiced flights in zero gravity.

The original Orlan space suit (duration of max. 2.5 hours ) was developed as part of the Soviet lunar program. With Orlan -D the period of use of three was extended with Orlan - DM to nine hours. The models Orlan -M and MK have a synthetic cabinet is made ​​of polyurethane, which are more stable and durable than the previous rubber. They are available around 120 kg and for space travelers from 1.65 to 1.90 m. From 2012, the first models of the Orlan -MKS should be ready to increase the service life of from four to five to six to seven years.

The Orlan space suit has a rigid body and flexible arms and legs. The application of the space suit is via an opening at the back. The first models were connected to a supply line for power and communication with the spacecraft. As of version Orlan -DM no connection is necessary.

History

The first outboard activity with an Orlan space suit took place on the Soviet space station Salyut 6 on 20 December 1977. Yuri Romanenko and Georgi Grechko tested this spacesuit Orlan -D. The Orlan -DM space suit was first used on 2 August 1985 by the cosmonauts Vladimir Dzhanibekov and Viktor Savinykh on the space station Salyut 7.

On the Mir space station, the Orlan - DMA and Orlan -M suits were used. The Orlan - DMA was first used on January 26, 1990 by Alexander Viktorenko and Alexander Serebrov. The first use of an Orlan -M was on 29 April 1997 by Vasily Ziblijew and Jerry M. Linenger. The Orlan - M space suit was used on the Mir space station yet up to the task and is currently on the International Space Station (ISS) used by both Russian, American and European astronauts.

On 3 February 2006, a decommissioned Orlan space suit was equipped with an amateur radio transmitter and exposed as satellite, designated Suitsat -1 aboard the ISS in orbit.

Since the docking of Progress M - 65 to the ISS is now located with Orlan -MK, the fifth generation of the Orlan space suits in space, which is distinguished by an extensive computer control of the earlier models.

Specifications

For model Orlan -M

  • Operating time: 7 h
  • Internal pressure: 392 hPa (270 hPa emergency)
  • Oxygen: 1 kg each main and reserve
  • Cooling water: 3,6 kg
  • Cooling capacity: 350 W
  • Energy consumption: up to 54 W
  • Operating weight: 112 kg
  • Deployment Time: 15 missions or four years
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