Space Telescope Neutral Buoyancy Mockup – A Test Bed for Evaluating Man/System Interfaces

Abstract

A man/system simulation test program is being conducted at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to support design and evaluation of crew interface hardware used in the Space Telescope (ST) on-orbit servicing tasks. A neutral buoyancy (NB) mockup of the telescope developed for MSFC was used as a test bed for evaluating many proposed crew interfaces associated with changeout of the scientific instruments and support systems. Tests were conducted in MSFC's NB simulator under simulated weightless conditions using pressure-suited crew members as test subjects. Test results are presented, including suggestions and recommendations for the design of tools, crew restraints, instrument stowage and transfer devices, and insertion guiderails. A final discussion applies the lessons learned from Space Telescope to the design of other serviceable spacecraft.