Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in ... - The Black Vault

Exploring the Unknown 271
5. Gemini Program Office
Overall program direction
IV.
EXTRAVEHICULAR EQUIPMENT
A. Portable Life Support System (PLSS).
1. Phase One. The Crew Systems Division (CSD) is developing a PLSS
based on the Mercury 7500 psi oxygen bottle. This PLSS is being
designed to provide open loop oxygen flow at 5 cfm for a total of
45 minutes. After allowing suitable [5] reserves and time for egress
and ingress, this system will be limited to a maximum of 10 minutes
outside the spacecraft.
2. Phase Two. In order to accomplish the Phase Two objectives, a PLSS
which will provide 30 minutes useful time outside the spacecraft is
required. Further study is needed to determine the type of system
which will met this requirement. Development of the Phase Two
PLSS is to be carried out by CSD.
2[sic] Phase Three. It is anticipated that the Phase Two PLSS will be used for
egress and ingress during Phase Three operations. More advanced
equipment to be used for longer duration periods outside would be
stowed in the equipment adapter. This advanced equipment will be
defined at a later date.
[5]
B. Pressure Suit.
1. A modified version of the Gemini Pressure suit will be used for
extravehicular operation. The single wall pressure vessel concept
will be retained. The following modifications will be incorporated:
a. An overvisor for glare, ultraviolet, and thermal protection.
b. Gloves modified to incorporate thermal protection.
c. Redundant pressure sealing closure.
2. Development of the Gemini extravehicular suit is to be carried out
by CSD.
C. Thermal Protection.
1. Phase One. The only thermal protection required for Phase
One operations consists of local protection against the extreme
temperatures of the spacecraft exterior. The gloves, boots, and
knees are the primary areas affected.
2. Phase Two and Three. Present studies indicate that a thermal
overgarment will be required for extravehicular missions of 30
minutes or more outside the spacecraft. Development of the
thermal garment is to be carried out by CSD.
D. Meteoroid Protection.
1. Meteoroid protection will be required to provide a probability of
.999 of no puncture of the pressure suit. On the basis of the present