Learn About NASA's Space Missions in the 1960s Part 3/3

Learn about the space food, space training and space suit design in the 1960s.

Learn About NASA's Space Missions in the 1960s Part 3/3 Meanwhile tests of the spacesuits, astronaut tools on the space food continue in 1963. In Luna gravity experiment of Langley workers strapped an engineer into a device suspended by overhead cables. The offset cable angle gives the engineer an effective weight of 16 G or gravity. He can jump to 8 or 9 feet in this test. While on the moon he maybe able to jump to 14 feet. Scientist studied the Apollo face B suit in simulated Luna Gravity. Tools to be used to obtain Luna samples are tried. The objective is to find the mobility limits of the space suit at 16 normal weight while the user wears a backpack. Engineers conduct free fold drop tests. Scientists used two dummies to make tests. People make six test jumps. The purpose is to determine the freedom of movement of a pressure suit during emergency free fall. Scientists supervise bullet stabilization tests. The bullet was stabilized and decelerate the astronaut for safe parachute deployment during an abort. In early jumps the jumper spins. A knees bent position corrects the spin. Lightweight tools are developed for maintenance during Apollo space flights. One small tool has multiple uses. Engineers use it on head sockets and to pull and replace electronic sub-assembly cards Food for astronauts is lightweight. The astronaut puts it directly into his mouth to avoid it going astray in microgravity. After the astronaut finishes the chemical keeps what is left from spoiling. In October 1963, scientists experiment to find out the effects of Luna erosion caused by landing jets. An end nozzle, which simulates the jet, is dropped to woods at dust bed. Scientist analyzed how window visibility will be affected and already much is being learned about the environment of space. The magnetic sphere is a donut shape belt of intense radiation and circling earth. In our next edition we will learn about the flight test program for future lifting bodies. Spacecraft intended to reenter earths’ atmosphere. This contributes to the development of the space shuttle.