Development of an EVA Support Equipment System for Exploration Using ISS Lessons Learned

A new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) support equipment system was developed during the 1990’s for the International Space Station (ISS) to accommodate external maintenance. This was done in accordance with the definition of ISS as a pre-integrated truss and pressurized module architecture with externally located system components. An overview of the history of the development of this system is provided here. Definition of how this system is to be used now and in the future to maintain ISS is referred to generically as the Concept of Operations, or ConOps. A historical perspective of the ISS EVA maintenance ConOps is provided. The support equipment system and ConOps are continually evolving as ISS assembly and maintenance proceeds and the face and future of ISS is altered by changing realities within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A summary of how the support equipment system and ConOps has changed and is likely to further change is presented. The manner in which ISS EVA maintenance planning has progressed is reviewed in terms of how and what EVA capabilities have been provided. The lessons from ISS are then applied to describe an alternative EVA support equipment system development philosophy for long term space project operations. An assessment, using ISS as a backdrop, of the importance for integrated preemptive maintenance planning that leverages the human and robotic resources is provided.