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This paper defines the value of free-flying cameras to the Space Station. The use of free-flying cameras is an alternative to reliance on fixed cameras. The analysis is based upon results from recent neutral buoyancy evaluations of a free-flying camera known as the Supplemental Camera and Maneuvering Platform (SCAMP). SCAMP was evaluated for inspection and viewing capabilities that will be required by Space Station. Test results demonstrated that a free-flying camera could be used effectively for inspecting structure, viewing labels, providing views for control of extravehicular robotics (EVR) and for ground assistance during extravehicular activity (EVA) tasks.

Hyperbaric operations are required onboard Space Station Freedom to treat decompression sickness, air embolism, and ebullism. These conditions may be encountered either during the normal course of extravehicular activity (EVA) or following a rapid decompression resulting from loss of pressurized element integrity or loss of space suit integrity. Hyperbaric treatment operations on board Space Station are essential to assure a continuing EVA capability. The Space Station Airlock provides the resources and equipment to accommodate hyperbaric operations, as well as a number of other operations including nominal EVA egress and ingress, prebreathing procedures, and space suit servicing. The Space Station Airlock has two chambers, the crewlock and the equipment lock. The crewlock is used as the hyperbaric chamber and can be pressurized to 41.1 psia for treatment.

The Space Station Freedom Airlock is a pressurized flight element slated for launch in mid-1997. The Airlock plays an integral part in space station procedures and is responsible for providing the resources and equipment for a variety of unique operations. These operations include nominal extravehicular activity (EVA) egress and ingress, pre-breathe procedures, suit servicing, large Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) pass-through operations, hyperbaric treatments and routine airlock maintenance. Not only are some of these scenarios quite complex, but they also require the Airlock to operate at a wide range of internal pressures and temperatures. This paper discusses the general airlock configuration, and in more detail, the various operational scenarios and their impact on the airlock design. The Airlock is composed of two chambers: the equipment lock (EL) and the crewlock (CL).