BOOM ATTACHMENT SYSTEM

The low gravity field environment experienced in space presents problems to astronauts attempting to perform work outside their spacecraft. This problem can be defined in part as the difficulty to maneuver and the difficulty to keep station relative to a surface on which work is being carried out. This is mainly due to the greatly reduced restraining forces available to a space worker, particularly the lack of friction force as a result of body weight reaction. To become effective in space, man must develop means of controlling reactions to work loads. Means have been studied to overcome this problem by restraint devices such as handholds, belts, and harnesses. Another means, and that which this report describes, is attachment to a work surface by rigid booms. A rigid boom attachment system offers a worker the advantage of being able to neglect the effect of moderate work loads. Design and development of an evaluation model of such a system using unfurlable booms - an application of de Havillands patented STEM Storable Tubular Extendible Member principle was carried out by de Havilland along guide lines laid by the United States Air Force and within the restrictions of a limited budget. The developed system should prove of great use in narrowing the guide lines to an optimum system.