A Review of the Approach to ISS Increment Crew EVA Training

Abstract

Prior to launching on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) all increment crews participate in extensive training on the various systems of the ISS. This includes being trained to participate in extravehicular activity (EVA) operations. For EVA operations, this training is separated into two major areas, Task and Systems. The EVA Task training focuses on the various tasks which will be conducted during the EVA, and the associated hardware and tools required for accomplishing them. The EVA Systems training focuses on the use of the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), it’s servicing and maintenance support equipment, and the operations of the airlock. But, what does this training include, where is it conducted, and what is the currently accepted level of proficiency required of EVA crewmembers? This paper reviews the answers to these questions by describing the sequence of training, in both the EVA Systems and EVA Tasks areas, which are required for an EVA crewmember to be certified for EVA operations. For the Task area, the advantages and disadvantages to generic skills training instead of specific task training will be discussed. Finally, recommendations on the evolution of future EVA training are proposed. These proposed changes first include those that will be required to maintain the current level of preparation for station crews as they are expanded to a size of six crewmembers. Next the EVA training evolutions that will be required for Lunar and other deep space exploration missions are extrapolated from the current training program.