The Partial Pressure of Inspired Carbon Dioxide Exposure Levels in the Extravehicular Mobility Unit.

NASA has been making efforts to assess the carbon dioxide (CO₂) washout capability of spacesuits using a standard CO₂ sampling protocol. This study established the methodology for determining the partial pressure of inspired CO₂ (Pco₂) in a pressurized spacesuit. We applied the methodology to characterize Pco₂ for the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU).

A novel approach for establishing fitness standards for occupational task performance.

Purpose: To identify strength and performance thresholds below which task performance is impaired.

Methods: A new weighted suit system was used to manipulate strength-to-body-weight ratio during the performance of simulated space explorations tasks. Statistical models were used to evaluate various measures of muscle strength and performance on their ability to predict the probability that subjects could complete the tasks in an acceptable amount of time.

Retrospective Evaluation of Clinical Symptoms Due to Mild Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure in Microgravity.

Introduction: A habitat atmosphere of 34% oxygen (O2) and 66% nitrogen (N2) at 8.2 psia (56.5 kPa) is proposed to minimize the risk of decompression sickness during extravehicular activity.

Hemoglobin Oxygen Saturation with Mild Hypoxia and Microgravity.

Introduction: Microgravity (μG) exposure and even early recovery from μG in combination with mild hypoxia may increase the alveolar-arterial oxygen (O2) partial pressure gradient.

Methods: Four male astronauts on STS-69 (1995) and four on STS-72 (1996) were exposed on Earth to an acute sequential hypoxic challenge by breathing for 4 min 18.0%, 14.

Feasibility results of an electromagnetic compatibility test protocol to evaluate medical devices to radio frequency identification exposure.

Background: The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems in healthcare is increasing, and concerns for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) pose one of the biggest obstacles for widespread adoption. Numerous studies have demonstrated that RFID systems can interfere with medical devices; however, the majority of past studies relied on time-consuming and burdensome test schemes based on ad hoc test methods applied to individual RFID systems.

Methods: This paper presents the results of using an RFID simulator that allows for faster evaluation of RFID-medical device EMC against a library of RFID test signals at various field strengths.