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  • A Lifeboat for Space Station: The Assured Crew Return Vehicle (ACRV)

    Paper ID

    IAF-92-0389

    author

    • C.E. Daniher
    • K.L. Cureton

    company

    Rockwell International Space Systems Division

    country

    U.S.A.

    year

    1992

    abstract

    This paper addresses the need and programmatic consideration for a space-based lifeboat to provide the Space Station Freedom crew with safe emergency return. Scenarios leading to crew rescue, philosophy of assured crew return, and toplevel approaches supporting permanent manned capability in space are discussed. Major drivers and key issues facing lifeboat designers, including funding implications and resulting impact on system design, are identified. Programmatic issues of evolutionary paths and long-term operations, along with analysis of resulting technical implications, are also investigated. Also presented here are predicted rescue needs as a result of medical emergencies based on historical data for isolated manned systems on land and water. These predictions are compared to more limited data for medical emergencies in space. Probable medical contingencies that would require immediate transportation of one or more crew members to a ground-based medical facility are identified. Analysis is presented of possible emergencies at Space Station Freedom that would require the immediate evacuation of its crew. Scenarios and time lines for rapid egress from Space Station Freedom are also discussed.