Citation

Ray PS, Bishop PA. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 1994; 14(3): 211-221.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The phenomenal growth of orbital debris, in recent years, presents an increased likelihood of collision and penetration of the Space Station hull. This study was conducted to evaluate the survivability of the Station in case of such a penetration. The relevant factors evaluated consisted of: (a) critical emergency scenarios, (b) accessibility of the egress paths for the current structural design, (c) egress time available for the critical scenarios and possible hole sizes, and (d) need of translation aid to support survival. It was found that emergency egress from the damaged module to a contiguous safe module will be possible in most circumstances short of total destruction of the Station. The current structural design in adequate for emergency egress and translation aids are essential to support survival in emergency.