Temporary Fluid Line Repair Techniques for EVA and IVA Operations Onboard Space Station

This paper addresses a new methodology for temporary rigid fluid line repair, utilizing a recently developed device called the Fluid Line Anchor Patch (FLAP). Repair using the FLAP process will serve as a prerequisite to, and in some cases a possible alternative to, permanent (cut-and-swage or welding) line repair. This will allow adequate time for astronauts and ground crews to fully examine the leak problem, plan the permanent repair procedures, and ultimately acquire the proper hardware for a permanent fix without undue loss of fluid resources. This contingency capability will preclude the need for a potentially life-threatening shutdown of vital station systems prior to a permanent repair.