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Lightweight Inflatable Platforms for In-Flight Orbiter Access. Area(s) of Significant Benefit Safety Performance Sustainability Operations Infrastructure . Description
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Lightweight Inflatable Platforms for In-Flight Orbiter Access Area(s) of Significant Benefit Safety Performance Sustainability Operations Infrastructure • Description • Develop lightweight inflatable truss system with minimal strength and inflatable cushions to prevent damage to TPS. Truss would attach to Sill/longeron and allow EVA translation overboard to wing or underneath Orbiter in case emergency repair is needed. • Alternatively, develop individual cushions (instead of complete truss system) as work and translation platforms which may be individually attached to Shuttle TPS by velcro ahead of the translating crew member. Would be removed individually as crew members retreat to payload bay. Provides protection to TPS beneath working crew. • Technologies and Capabilities • Consists of inflatable access system to reach all parts of Orbiter. Inflatable cushions would protect TPS during astronaut activities. Includes slide wire and handholds to assist astronaut translation. • Inflatable system would be lightweight, rugged, and provide maximum protection for TPS. • Feasibility study explore shapes, sizes, and interconnectivity of sections to provide maximum access and safety with minimum weight. Benefits and Impacts Obsolescence Reduction Risk Reduction Safety Improvement Cost Reduction Process Improvement Other (Ultra-High Operations Improvement Reliability) Performance Enhancement • POC, Cost, Schedule and Maturity • TRL 5 Inflatable structures as access platforms in space • POC: Philip Metzger, 321 867-6052 • Provides maximum protection of TPS near crew • Provides maximum utility while working: crew footholds, built-in retention capability for tools and materials, etc. • Reduction in Category 1 Failure Rate of 0.1%
Lightweight Inflatable Platforms for In-Flight Orbiter Access • Total Project Costs: $ 12.6 M • Obsolescence & Feasibility: $ 1 M • Formulation: $ 1.6 M • Implementation: $ 10 M • Project Submitted By: Philip Metzger, 321 867-6052 • Note: Supplemental Information attached in MS Word document