Jeff Hoblit – Virtual Reality Laboratory/L3 STRATIS – Technical Lead – SAFER Expert

Mr. Hoblit will talk about EVA SAFER System during space walks, or extravehicular activities (EVAs). EVAs are an important part of the assembly & maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS). ISS construction had required more than twice as many space walks as were previously performed in the entire history of spaceflight. Unlike the Space Shuttle, the Space Station cannot maneuver to rescue a free-floating EVA crew members. NASA was determined to make sure that none of space walks ends up like the movie nightmare. One of the ways is by using a Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER). Essentially a “life jacket” for space walks. SAFER is a self-contained maneuvering unit worn by astronauts like a backpack. The system relies on small nitrogen-jet thrusters to let an astronaut move around in space. SAFER is a rare type of technology, the kind that is built hoping that it won’t be used. So far, tethers, safety grips, and the robot arm have proved adequate to safely keep astronauts where they are supposed to be during EVAs. But if they ever fail, SAFER will be ready. SAFER is successfully trained at the Virtual Reality Lab/NASA JSC.

The Lunch and Learn with Jeff Hoblit discussing SAFER EVA will be at 11:30am April 29th at Intuitive Machines at 3700 Bay Area Blvd. Houston, TX 77058.