Microbial Control of the Space Suit Assembly for Space Station Freedom

The construction and operation of the Space Station Freedom will require longer stays in space and extended re-use of the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) and the Space Suit Assembly (SSA) bladder. Since these conditions require redefinition of microbial control procedures, a program was undertaken to identify an undergarment, an antimicrobial finish, and cleaning protocols for various space suit components. Using standard microbiological techniques and researching earlier American space program experience, a baseline microbial control procedure was established and a series of manned SSA tests undertaken to determine the validity of the procedure. The results suggest that the use of an undergarment with an antimicrobial finish improved the hygiene of the LCVG, and the use of a disinfectant effectively kills bacterial on the SSA bladder. In addition, forced air focused on selected areas of the suit significantly reduces microbial viability.