JSC/EC5 U.S. Spacesuit Knowledge Capture (KC) Series Synopsis Topic: EVA Physiology & Medical Considerations Working in the Suit Date: January 24, 2012 Location: Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston, TX Presenter: Scott Parazynski, M.D. Synopsis: This “EVA Physiology & Medical Considerations Working in the Suit” presentation covers several topics related to the medical implications and physiological effects of suited operations in space from the perspective of a physician with considerable first-hand Extravehicular Activity (EVA) experience. Key themes include EVA physiology – working in a pressure suit in the vacuum of space, basic EVA life support and work support, Thermal Protection System (TPS) inspections and repairs, and discussions of the physical challenges of an EVA. Parazynski covers the common injuries and significant risks during EVAs, as well as physical training required to prepare for EVAs. He also shares overall suit physiological and medical knowledge with the next generation of Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) system designers. Biography: Dr. Scott Parazynski is a physician and a physiologist with expertise in human adaptation to stressful environments, having been graduated from Stanford University and Stanford Medical School. He went on to train at Harvard University and in Denver in preparation for a career in emergency medicine and trauma. In 1992 he was selected to join NASA’s Astronaut Corps and eventually flew five Space Shuttle missions and conducted seven spacewalks (EVAs). In October 2007, Parazynski led the EVA team on STS-120, a highly complex space station assembly flight, during which he performed four EVAs. The fourth and final EVA is regarded by many as one of the most challenging and dangerous ever performed. In his 17 years as an astronaut, he also served in numerous senior leadership roles, including EVA branch chief and the lead astronaut for Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System Inspection & Repair (in the aftermath of the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy). He has the distinction of being the only person to both fly in space and stand on top of the planet, the summit of 29,035-foot Mount Everest. He served as chief technology officer and chief medical officer at The Methodist Hospital Research Institute in Houston, Texas. Video Length and Size: 1:36:32 (1.59 GB) NASA Johnson Space Center Crew and Thermal Systems Division EC5 Space Suit and Crew Survival Systems Branch 2101 NASA Parkway Houston, TX, 77058 [email protected] Scott Parazynski, MD “US Spacesuit Knowledge Capture Series” 24 January 2012 www.parazynski.com 1. “EVA Physiology & Medical Considerations Working in a Suit” --- Tuesday, January 24, 2012 2. “Real-time EVA Troubleshooting” --- Thursday, February 16, 2012 3. “TPS Inspection & Repair” --- Thursday, February 23, 2012 4. “EVA Skills Training” --- Tuesday, March 6, 2012 www.parazynski.com Sir, you’re no Jack Kennedy Admiral Stockdale! Admiral James Stockdale 1992 Vice Presidential Debate “Parazynski” is like “Smith” or “Doe” in Poland… Strength Height Fast vs. Slow Twitch Weight Visual Acuity Mechanical Aptitude Underlying Medical Conditions Native Language Arm Reach Susceptibility to SAS Cultural G-Tolerance Pain (Discomfort) Differences Tolerance Handedness Auditory Acuity Situational Gender Reaction Time Awareness (Scan Pattern) Operational Endurance Depth of Knowledge Background Verbal Clarity & (Preparedness) Fluency www.parazynski.com • “EVA Cadre” selected to do the majority of development testing • Led to acceptance of some hardware and tasks that could not be accomplished by a broad cross section of the Astronaut Corps • Once recognized as an issue, crew consensus testing became actively more inclusive www.parazynski.com