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Manned tests in Chamber B at NASA JSC were conducted in May and June of 1990 to better quantify the Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit's (EMU) thermal performance in the cold environmental extremes of space. Use of an infrared imaging camera with real-time video monitoring of the output significantly added to the scope, quality and interpretation of the test conduct and data acquisition. Results of this test program have been effective in the thermal certification of a new insulation configuration and the “5000 Series” glove. In addition, the acceptable thermal performance of flight garments with visually deteriorated insulation was successfully demonstrated, thereby saving significant inspection and garment replacement cost. This test program also established a new method for collecting data vital to improving crew thermal comfort in a cold environment.

A computer simulation model is a valuable tool in the evaluation of a developing hardware program and as a diagnostic/simulation aid for an ongoing production system. Hamilton Standard has developed a G189A simulation model to investigate the performance of a Space Station Extravehicular Mobility Unit (SSEMU). The SSEMU, also known as the Advanced Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AEMU), is in a hardware selection phase and further studies are beneficial to evaluate system performance using various subsystem candidates and integration schemes. Several subroutines representing newly developed subsystems have been Incorporated Into G189A for use in this model. These subroutines are: a Thermoelectric Condensing Heat Exchanger, a Regenerable Non-venting Thermal Sink, a Metal Oxide CO2 Removal/Dehumidification Subsystem, and the air Interactions In the suit volume.