Citation

Mathews CW. Life Sci. Space Res. 1963; 1: 141-159.

Affiliation

Spacecraft Research Division, NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1963, North-Holland Pub Co)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12056422

Abstract

This paper concerns the stresses on the flight crew in various phases of space flight missions and the ability of the crew to perform piloting-type tasks as well as other specific operations in the presence of these stresses. The mission phases include powered flight, free flight, space maneuvers, atmospheric entry, terminal phase, and surface operation. The stresses of the space environment are caused by forces and or motions or lack thereof, the space environment itself, the nature of the environment within the spacecraft, and the mental and physical demands on the flight crew. Among crew functions are control of the onboard systems, navigation and guidance of the spacecraft, maintenance and emergency operation, communications, and the conduct of scientific experiments. The paper draws on information obtained from the flight research to date as well as from ground tests and analyses. From the results one can conclude that man can very ably withstand the stresses of short duration missions into near space and has demonstrated ability to perform the type of tasks associated with flight crew operation. The chief unknown factors of future flight operations are the stresses produced by longer duration missions. Consideration of the problems involved leads to the conclusion that they are amenable to engineering solution at some expense to spacecraft weight and performance. It appears desirable therefore to utilize the flight crew to a high degree in future missions in the type of tasks where human judgment is needed or where significant simplification of on-board equipment may result.

Language: en