Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue

SAFER (Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue - Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue ) is a small backpack system for space outdoor work (EVA ) with American space suits from the Space Shuttle or the International Space Station. It is the successor of the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU ) and intended for use only in an emergency.

SAFER is designed as a self-help system that allows the astronaut to maneuver back to the spacecraft again when the safety line should break, and no outside help is nearby. It is worn with every EVA together with the American EMU space suit ( for movement outside the vehicle combination Extravehicular Mobility Unit, such Unit).

SAFER is attached to the back of the space traveler on EMU knapsack, which includes the life support system. The unit consists of a 35 cm high, 66 cm wide and 25 cm deep box, peaking at the two arms on each side, which are each 53 cm high. Each arm is provided with twelve small thrusters working with nitrogen. The total mass is 38.5 kg (including 1.4 kg gas). SAFER the astronaut can reach a speed change of up to 3.0 m / s.

The development of the system took place at the Johnson Space Center. For the first time SAFER was used by the astronauts Mark Lee and Carl Meade during the mission STS -64 in September 1994, with a test flight took place without a leash. Another test conducted Jeff Wisoff and Mike Lopez -Alegria in October 2000 in STS -92 by.