Search Results

One of the primary safety concerns for Space Station Freedom pressurized modules is fire. Some Freedom modules are unattended for long periods of time. In other cases, enclosed, pressurized volumes are not open to crew monitoring. As a result, a fire detection system is required to continuously monitor all modules for combustion. This paper briefly reviews the overall design for the Freedom fire detection system, and the design of the two basic types of detectors: smoke and flame. The smoke detectors monitor particulates in small open areas, stand-offs, end-cones, and racks. The flame detectors survey open areas for radiation at wavelengths and intensities characteristic of combustion. Responses from detectors are evaluated by Freedom's data management system to determine the presence of combustion and to recommend appropriate action.

A flexible fire detection system is required in order to monitor Space Station Freedom pressurized volumes, including spaces which may be inaccessible to the crew, or may be unattended for long periods of time. The system uses flame detectors to survey open areas for radiation at wavelengths and intensities characteristic of combustion, and uses smoke detectors to monitor particulates in open areas and in air circulation ducts. This paper briefly reviews the design of the system and the detectors and presents results of development testing of the smoke detectors. The duct-type smoke detector has met all Space Station Freedom performance requirements.