U.S. Spacesuit Knowledge Capture Status and Initiatives

摘要

NASA, other organizations, and individuals have been performing U.S. spacesuit knowledge capture (KC) since the beginning of space exploration via publication of reports, conference presentations, specialized seminars, and classes presented by veterans in the field. Recently, the KC process has been enriched by videotaping current and past specialists as they present their lessons learned for posterity. Now with this video archiving, all these avenues of learning are brought to life with the real experts presenting their wealth of knowledge on screen. U.S. spacesuit KC topics have included lessons learned in spacesuit technology, experience from the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle and International Space Station Programs, hardware certification, design, development, and other program components, spacesuit evolution and experience, failure analysis and resolution, aspects of program management and personal interviews. These archives of spacesuit legacy now reflect its rich history and will provide a wealth of knowledge that will greatly enhance the chances for the success of future and more ambitious spacesuit system programs. In this paper, NASA's spacesuit KC efforts will be reviewed and a status will be provided to reveal initiatives and accomplishments since the inception of the U.S. spacesuit KC program. A detailed itemization of the archives will be addressed along with topics that are now available to the general NASA community and the public.