EVA Crewperson Overboard! A Simplified Aid for Rescue

With the advent of the NASA Space Station Freedom (SSF), it can be expected that there will be an increased use of Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) over that experienced in the past and ongoing Space Shuttle program. This increased EVA will be particularly evident during the initial and subsequent SSF construction phases. With an increased rate and length of EVA, a low, but statistically significant possibility exists for an EVA crewperson to potentially become detached from the SSF resulting in a rescue need. This paper will focus on the rationale for and description of a rescue aid which is attached to the spacesuit during the entire EVA. Paper content will include genesis of the aid, salient features, performance characteristics, design arrangement, and operations of the Simplified Aid For Rescie (SAFR).