Space Power Tool System for Experimentation on Gemini

摘要

The problem of reacting the torques and forces applied by a weightless astronaut performing space maintenance has been recognized for several years. Two possible solutions are available to the space maintenance engineer: rigidly attach the worker to the worksite, making it absorb the reaction, or provide the astronaut with reactionless tools. The minimum reaction wrench resulting from this effort showed sufficient promise to make further development worthwhile. The second-generation tool described in this report was intended from the beginning to serve as the primary piece of hardware in an extra-vehicular space maintenance experiment on-board an orbiting Gemini vehicle. The hand-held tool, powered by six 1/2 D-size cylindrical nickel-cadmium cells, operates in a manner similar to a common pneumatic impact wrench, and is capable of tightening one-hundred 3/8 inch bolts to a minimum torque level of 45 fast-pounds. It has two modes of operation: an impact made for loosening and tightening threaded fasteners, and a freely-revolving drill/top mode. The worksite is illuminated by two grain-of-wheat bulbs located in the tool handle, which is collapsible for storage. Experiment hardware is stored in - and the worksite located on - the restraint assembly, which also protects the equipment from vibration, shock, and intensive heat. (Author)