Inside the International Space Station : Payloads, Structures and Lighting Astronaut Training Manual

LEARN ABOUT OUR NEW SPACE STATION FROM THE TEXTBOOKS USED BY THE ASTRONAUTS! These astronaut and flight controller training manuals, produced by the Mission Operations Directorate (Space Flight Training Division branch) at NASA's Johnson Space Center, represent a major part of the formal flight crew training process. The manuals and workbooks are extremely detailed and comprehensive, and are designed for self-study. Each is heavily illustrated with vivid line drawings, engineering schematics, and other charts and figures. A full listing of all acronyms and abbreviations used in the text is included. Most include self-test questions and answers. They provide a superb way to learn about Station systems, hardware, and operational procedures. Special emphasis on crew interaction with the displays, controls, and hardware is included.

This up-to-date training manual covers three major areas: Payload Operations, Structures and Mechanisms, and Lighting Systems. It contains 116 excellent illustrations, figures, tables and charts.

PAYLOAD OPERATIONS: This manual provides an overview of the Payload Operations and Interfaces concept for the International Space Station (ISS). The material presented focuses on critical elements of real-time ISS payload operations, including ground operations, interfaces between U.S. and International Partner (IP) payload operations centers, ground support interaction, and payload logistics. ISS standard payload hardware and payload-related support systems are also discussed. The manual was developed for individuals possessing an understanding of the basic principles of manned space flight operations.

STRUCTURES AND MECHANISMS: Most flights during International Space Station (ISS) assembly involve the process of incorporating an additional structure, operating a mechanism, or both. Structures protect the crew from the environment of space. Structures transfer loads and provide support for the various systems. Loads are the mechanical, pressure, vibration, inertial, and thermal forces applied to structural elements. The structures on ISS are made with aluminum alloys which have been used extensively for ISS because they are lightweight, corrosion resistant, and have favorable electrical conductivity which aids in grounding electrical systems. There are two main types of structures on ISS: pressurized elements and truss assemblies. Pressurized elements, such as nodes and labs, not only protect the crew from the space environment, but they also provide a work and living environment. Pressurized structures are classified as either primary or secondary .Structures that are designed to maintain the structural integrity of a pressurized element are designated primary structures. Structures that are not designed to maintain the structural integrity of a pressurized element, but are designed to transfer their loads to a primary structure, are called secondary structures. An element's classification as a primary and secondary structure depends on how it is used at any point in time. A hatch, for example, is considered a primary structure when it is the interface between a pressurized module and the vacuum of space. A hatch becomes a secondary structure when it is surrounded by pressurized air on both sides.

LIGHTING: The lighting system provides illumination for the interior and exterior of the International Space Station. The internal lighting varies throughout the different modules, nodes, and airlock, but all function to provide illumination for displays, controls, crew station, and crew equipment operations. The exterior lighting provides illumination for Extravehicular Activity (EVA) and video camera operations. This manual covers the different types of lighting provided in the United States (U.S.) modules and the exterior lighting. as well as how the lighting equipment is powered and controlled. After reading this workbook, the student should be able to: summarize the purpose of lighting hardware; differentiate between lighting hardware components; give an example of lighting hardware functionality; explain how each type of lighting is controlled.