8/27/2023 0 Comments Nasa careers spacesuit technician![]() ![]() Another technician suffered burns to his hands but did not require hospitalization. The most seriously injured technician was hospitalized with first and second degree burns over 30% of his body. Total hardware damage was estimated to be about two million dollars. Fabric components of the suit ignited and remained aflame until responders utilized carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. ![]() Other aluminum components burned in the oxygen-rich environment. The aluminum block that comprised the regulator was vaporized in less than one second. Fueled by pure high-pressure oxygen, the onset of the fire was immediate and intense. While the cause of the fire remains uncertain, its destructive effects were apparent. A contaminant particle striking an interior surface of the regulator at high velocity.Ignition of an O-ring due to rapid compression.Heating of an unintended thin wall within the regulator due to rapid compression.The source of the fire was traced to this regulator, but investigators never determined what specifically ignited the oxygen. This introduced the secondary oxygen supply to a pressure regulator within the suit. The fire erupted when a technician executed a planned task to put the EMU in “EVA” mode. The EMU life support system consists of a primary oxygen supply at 900psi and a secondary oxygen supply at 6000psi. Here’s what happened.Įxtra Vehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). Ironically, it was the life support system that caused a flash fire which burned two technicians (one severely), destroyed the EMU, and reawakened a culture of safety throughout NASA. This task was a critical step in preparation for the first manned test of the suit, an event where space-like conditions would be simulated in a large vacuum chamber.Īlthough the EMU was unmanned for the April test, the suit’s life support system was exercised. Nowetner was part of a JSC team tasked to execute functional tests on an EMU unit. In that lingo, the events of Apare summarized as “the EMU fire”.Īt that time, the space shuttle was still ramping up for its inaugural flight and the EMU was an unproven system. “the water leak”, “the chamber incident”, “the bellows failure”. In the nearly 40-year history of the suit, truly scary moments have been so infrequent that they are still referenced in generic terms, with no distinction needed…i.e. The EMU design would persevere to become the spacesuit worn by spacewalking astronauts throughout the Space Shuttle Program and even today on the International Space Station. Joe has never forgotten the lessons he learned that day. One particular test served as a startling reminder that exploring space is a dangerous business…even for those who never leave the ground. Early in his career, Joe worked as an electrical technician at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) supporting the testing regimen of a new spacesuit design, the EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit). We are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application via this inbox.These days, Joe Nowetner is an operations manager at UTC Aerospace Systems, the contractor responsible for NASA’s fleet of spacesuits. To request assistance due to an ongoing medical condition or disability, please contact Human Resources at 34 or email Please reserve the use of this inbox for those who require accessibility assistance or accommodation. If you are contacted by a company listing an Axiom Space job requesting your personal information, allegedly on Axiom Space's behalf, please do not respond.Īxiom Space is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer welcoming all job seekers including individuals and veterans with disabilities. Axiom Space utilizes its own Human Capital Management organization to fill employment needs. ![]() The only way to apply for a position at Axiom Space is via this page. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. ![]() Axiom Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At Axiom Space we are purposeful in our efforts toward a diverse workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees. ![]()
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