results of the us second manned suborbital spaceflight

8/8/2019 Results of the US Second Manned Suborbital Spaceflight

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hF_SULTS OF THE SECONDU.S. MANNED

SUBORBITAL SPA CE FLIGHT

JULY 21, 1961

MANNED SPA CECRAFT CENTERNATIONAL AERONAUTI CSAND SPA CE ADMINISTRATION


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FOREWORD

This document pre sents the results of the second United States manned suborbitalspace flight. The data and flight de scription pre sented form a continuation of theinformation provided at an open conferenc e held under the auspices of the NationalAeronautics and Space Admini stration, in cooperation with the National Institutes ofHealth and the National Academy of Science s, at the U.S. Department of State Audi-

torium on June 6, 1961. The papers presented herein generally parallel the presenta-tions of the first report and were prepared by the personnel of the NASA MannedSpacecraft Center in collaboration with personnel from other government agencies,participating indu stry, and universities.

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CONTENTSFOREWORD iii1. INTRODUCTION ............................................. 1

By Robert R. Gilruth, Director, NASA Manned Spacecraft Center.2. SPACECRAFT AND FLIGHT P LAN FOR THE MERCURY-REDSTONE 4

FLIG_CT ..................................................... 3

By Jercr:l e B. Ilammack, Mercury-Redston e Project Engineer, NASA MannedSpacecraft Cent er.

3. RESULTS (IF THE MR 4 PREFLIGHT A ND POSTFLIGHT MEDICAL EXA %I I-NATION CONDUCTED )N ASTRONAU T VIRGIL 1. GRISSOM ........ 9

By William K. D_uglas, M.D., Astronaut Flight Snrg eon, NASA Manned Space-craft Center; Carmauh B. Jackson, Jr., M.D., Life Systems Di vision, NASAMannet Spac ecraft C enter: A shton Graybiel, M.D., USN School of Aviation Medi -cine, P_nsacola, Fla.: Ge,_rge Ruff, M.D., University of P ennsylvania; Edward C.Knoblck, Ph.D., Walter R eed Army Medical C enter; William S. Angerson, M.D.,Life Sy stems Divi sion, NASA Manned Spacecraft Center; and C. Patrick Laugh-

lin, M.D. , Life Systems Di vision, NASA Manned Spacecraf t Center.4 . PIIYSIO LOGICAL RESPONSES OF THE ASTRON AUT IN THE MR 4 SPACE

FLIGP_T .................................................... 15

By C. Patrick _a ughlin, M.D., Life Systems Division, N ASA Manned Spacecra ft

Center: and William S. Aug erson, M.D., lkif e Systems Di vision, NASA Maml edS_acecraft Center.5. FLIGilT SIJRGEON 'S REPORT FOR MERCURY-REDSTONE MISSIONS 3 AND

4 ............................................................. 23

By William K. Dnuglas, M.D., A stronaut Fl ght Surg e: n, NASA Mann ed Space-craft Center.

6. RESU LTS OF INFLIGIIT PILOT PERFOR MANCE STUD[E3 FOR THE MR I-FL_'G_IT ................................................. 33

By Robert B. %oas, Ph.D., ]l ead, Training Offi ce, NASA Manned Spac ecraft Center:John J. Van Bockel, Training Ofiqce, N ASA Manned Spacecraft C enter: Raym ,mdG. Zede_,ar, Training Offic e, NASA Manned Spacscraft Center: and Paul W.

Backer, McDonnell Aircraft Corp.7. PILOT 'S 1;LIGHT REPORT 47

By % irgil I. Gri ssom, Astronaut, N ASA Mann ed Spacecraft C enler.

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1. INTRODUCTION

By ROBERTlq. GILRUTH. Director , N,4SA Manned Spacecraft Center

The second successful manned suborbital space cessful active participation of the pilots, in much

flight on Jul}' 21 , 1961, in which Astronaut Virgil I. the same way as in the development and testing ofGrissom wa s the pilot wa s another step in the high performance aircraft, ha s greatly' increased ourprogre ssive research, development, and training confidence in giving man a significant role in futureprogram leading to the study of man 's capabilities space flight activitie s.

in a space environment during manned orbital flight. It is the purpose of this report to continue theData and operational experiences gained from thi s practice of providing data to the scientific corn-flight were in agreement with and supplemented the munity interested in activities of this nature. Briefknowledge obtained from the first suborbital flight descriptions are presented of the Project Mercury

of 5{ay 5, 1961, piloted by Astronaut Alan B. spacecraft and flight plan. Paper s are providedS:' d, Jr. which parallel the presentation s of data published

wo recent manned suborbital flights, coupled for the fir st suborbital space flight. AdditionalWq,l.,ne unmanned research and development flights, informati on is given relating to the operationalhave provided valuable engineering a'nd scientific aspe cts of the medi cal support activities for the two

data on which the program can progress. The suc- manned suborbital space flights.


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2. SPA CECRAFT AND F LIGHT PLAN FOR

THE MER CURY-REDSTONE 4 FLIGHT

By JEROMEB. Ha_vIMACK, Mercury -Redstone Pro ject En gineer, NASA M anned S pacecra/t Ce nter

In troduc tion craft of a large viewing window and an explosivelyactuated side hatch.

The Mercury spacecraft i s described in some de- Window

tail in references 1 and 2. The MR4 flight wasthe fourth mission in the Mercury-Redstone series The addition of the large viewing window in theof flight te sts, all of which utilized the Mercury position shown in the figure was a result of a changespacecraft. Each spacecraft differed in small de- requested by the Mercury astronauts. This windowtails, and the differences between the MR-3 and the enables the astronaut to have a greater viewing areaMR-4 spacecraft are discu ssed herein, than the original side port windows. The field of

As shown in figure 2-1, the main configuration view of the window is 30 in the horizontal planedifference s were the addition to the MR_ space- and 33 in the vertical.

rUPPER WIND OWHATCHEXPLOSIVEI GNITER / (MR-3)

._- (MR-4) --.. //HATCHEXTERNAL X / WINDOW

EXPLOS IVE CONTROL X\(MR-4) INTERNAL

/ CONTROLENTRANCE HATCH ..,- (MR-4)INTERNAL RELEASE

HANDIF AIR(MR-3)_.. INI FT VALVE

EXTERNALRELEASE .-i -:-.. (MR-4)HANDLESOCKET

(MR-3) ,_(':: :_. _ '. . -%.

RSCS RATE DAM P ERBOX VALVE(MR-4)

EXTERNALRFI FA S E HANDLE /(STOWEDPO S ITION)

tMR-3)' F ICURE2-1. Configuration differences between MR-3 and MR -4 spacecraft.

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The window is composed of an outer panel of0.35-inch-thick Vycor glas s and a 3-1aver inner k.anel. The top layer of this inner panel i s 0.17-inch-thick Vycor glass and the other two layers are 0.34-inch-thick tempered glads. The Vycor glas s panels MIq-3 MR-4

will withstand temperatares in the range of 1,500 to 1,800 F. The inner layers of tempered glasswill withstand the cabin-pre ssure differences. Mag-nesium fluoride coating s were applied to reduceglare. Although not installed for the MR4 flight,a removable polaroid filter to reduce glare furtherand a red filter for niglct adaption are available forthe Mndow.

Side Hatch

The explosively actuated side hatch was used for FI caz 2-2. Clamp-ringcovers for 51113 and MR_the fir st time on the MR4 flight. The mechanically spacecraft.operated side hatch on :he MR-3 spacecraft was in

been damaged by this sliding action. Figure 2-2the same location and o:! the same size, but was con- shows the differences between the MR-3 and MR4siderably heavier (]69 pounds as installed ratherthan 23 pounds), covers. Instrument Pa nel

The explosively acttated hatch utilizes an ex-plosive charge to fractare the attaching bolt s and A comparison between the MR4 spacecraft in-

thus separate the hatch from the spacecraf t. Seventy strument panel, shown in figure 2-3, and the MR-3l'4-inch titanium bolts secure the hatch to the door- panel, presented in reference 1, reveals that the dif-sill. A 0.06-inch-diam,_ter hole is drilled in each ferences were mainly the rearrangement of controls

bolt to provide a weak point. A mild detonating and indicators and the addition of an earth-pathfuse (MDF_ is in stalled in a channel between an indicator. The earth-path indicator was inoperativeinner and outer seal around the periphery of the for the MR-4 flight , however.hatch. When the MDF is ignited, the resulting gaspressure between the inner and outer seal causes Rate Stabilization and Control Systemthe bolts to fail in tension. The major difference between the stabilization

The MD F is ignited by a manually operated ig- and control systems of the MR3 and MR4 space-niter that requires an actuation force of around 5 craft was the addition to the MR=I spa cecraft of apounds, after removal of a safety pin. The igniter rate command control system which operated incan be operated externally by an attached lanyard, connection with the manual reaction control system.in which case a for ce _f at least 40 pounds is re- The rate stabilization and control system (RSCS)quired in order to shear the safety pin. senses and commands spa cecraft rates rather than

Other differences be:ween the MR-3 spacecraft attitudes. The system damps to the commandedand the MR-4 spacecraft, not visible in figure 2-1, rate to within --+3 deg /sec. Without manual com-include: (at redesigned clamp-ring covers, (b) man& it damps to zero rate within _+3 deg /sec.changed instrument parel, and (c) the incorpora-tion of a rate command control system. P r elauneh Preparation s

The prelauneh preparation period was essentiallyClamp-Rin g Covers

the same as for the MR-3 mission. A brief descrip-

The fairing s around the explosive bolt s were tion of the activity during this period follows.changed to a more streamlined shape from the orig-inal rectangular shape to reduce buffeting. Al so, the Astro nautupper part of the fairings were hinged so that at Prior to launch of the MR4 spacecraft, the as-

separation they would flip off rather than slide signed pilot for the mi ssion started an inten se train-down. There was evidence that on a previous Little lng routine at Cape Canaveral, Fla., and at thejoe-Mercury flight, the umbilical connection s had NASA Manned Spacecraft Center , Langley air

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O0

FIGUR E-3. Main instrument panel and consolesfor MR 4 spacecraft.

Force Base, Va. , to familiarize himself with the spacecraft for bench testing. After reinstallation ofvarious details of the spacecraft system s and to the components , the systems tests proceeded assharpen his reaction s to variou s situations. During scheduled with only slight interruptions for workthis period , the pilot participated in a centrifuge periods. Those tests required a total of 33 days ,training program in which 17 Mercury acceleration during which the electrical , sequential, instrumenta-profile s were run. The pilot took part ill environ- tion, communication, environmental , reaction-con-

m control system tests, communication tests, trol , and stabilization and control systems werer control system tests ; obtained 100 simu- individually tested. After systems tests, a shortlateL, missions on the procedures trainer; conducted work period was required to install the landing-im-36 simulated mis sions on the air-lubricated free- pact bag. A simulated flight wa s then run on the

attitude IALFA) trainer; and practiced insertion spacecraft which wa s followed by installation ofexerci ses and RF test s in which the pilot and space- parachutes and pyrotechnic s, weighed and balanced ,craft were exercised in a simulated count through and delivered to the launch complex for mating withlift off. On July 21 , 1961, after two delays in the the booster. Twenty-one day s were spent on thelaunch date, the pilot was prepared and inserted in launching pad during which the spacecraft andthe spacecraft at 3:58 a.m.e.s.t. Launch occurred booster systems were checked both separately andat 7:20 a.m.e. s.t, as a unit. After the systems checks were completed,

a spacecraft--launch-vehicle simulated flight wasMercu ry Control Center performed. The spacecraft--launch-vehicle com-

bination was then ready for launch. A period ofThe Mercury Control Center provided excellent136 day s elapsed between delivery of the spacecraftsupport for the MR4 mission. Numerous simu-to Cape Canaveral , Fla., and its successful launch.lated flights were run prior to launching which uti-The MRna /0 launch occurred on July 21 , 1961, 47lized the flight a stronauts in the procedure s trainer

and the per sonnel of the flight control center and days after the first manned ballistic flight by Astro-network, haut Alan B. Shepard , Jr.

Spacecraft Launch Ve hicle

The spacecraft was delivered to Hangar "S" at The launch-vehicle system checks and prepara-Cape Canaveral, Fla., on March 7 , 1961. Upon de- tions proceeded as scheduled with only minor mai-livery, the instrumentation and selected item s of functions which cau sed no delays in the schedule.ti, nnunication system were removed from the During the split countdown on the launching pad,

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the launch-vehicle couatdown proceeded smoothly ceeded from T 180 minutes at 3:00 a.m.e.s.t. NoMth no hold periods cMrgeable to the launch-vehicle further delays in the countdown were enco-*,teredsystems, until T-45 minutes. A 30-minute hold w ,_d

Countdown at this time to install a misalined hatch l , AtT- 30 minutes, a 9-minute hold was required to turn

The MR_t spacecraft was launched at 7:20 a.m. off the pad searchlight s which interfere with launch-e.s.t, on July 21. 1961 (fig. 24). The launch was vehicle telemetry during launch. At T 15 miimtes.originally scheduled for July 18. 1961 but was ' a 41-minute hold was required to await better cloudrescheduled to July 19, 1961, because of unfavorable conditions. The count then proceeded from T 15weather conditions. The launch attempt of July 19. until lift-off.

The pilot was in the spacecraft 3 hours and 22minute s prior to launch.

Flight D escription

The MR-4 flight plan was very much the same asthat for the MR-3. The flight profile is shown in:_ figure 2-5. As shown, the range was 262.5 nautical4

! miles, the maximum altitude was 102.8 nauticalmiles , and the period of weightlessness lasted forapproximately' 5 minutes.

! The sequence of events was as follows:I At T-35 seconds, the spacecraft umbilical was

pulled and the peri scope was retracted. During

; the boosted phase of flight, the flight-path angle wascontrolled by' the launch-vehicle control system.Launch-vehicle cutoff occurred at T+2 minutes 23

seconds, at which time the escape tower clamp ringwas released , and escape tower was rele, .d byfiring the escape and tower jettison rocke ' mseconds later, the spacecraft-to-launcl leadapter clamp ring wa s separated , and the posigraderockets fired to separate the spacecraft from thelaunch vehicle. The periscope was extended; theautomatic stabilization and control system provided

FIr;k-RE --4.Launch of thc Mercury-Redstone4 from Cape 5 seconds of rate damping, followed by spacecraftCanaveral launch site on July 21, 1961. turnaround. It then oriented the spacecraft to orbit

attitude of -34 .

1961, was canceled at Y 10 minutes a s a result of Retrosequenee ;_as initiated by timer at T+4continued unfavorable weather. The launch was minutes 46 seconds, which was 30 second s prior tnthen rescheduled for July 21, 1961. The first half the spacecraft reaching its apogee.of the split launch countdown was begun at 6:00 a.m. The astronaut assumed control of spacecraft atti-e.s.t, on July, 20. 1961. at T-640 minutes. Space- tude at T+3 minutes 5 seconds and controlled thecraft preparation proceeded normally through the spacecraft by the manual proportiuual control system12-hour planned hold period for hydrogen peroxide to T+5 minutes 43 seconds. He initiated firing ofand pyrote chnic servicing. Evaluation of the the retroro ckets at T+5 minutes 10 se conds. Fromweather at this time affirumd favorable launch condi- T-- 5 minutes 43 seconds, he controlled the space-tinns. The second hall: of the countdown was there- craft by the manual rate command system throughfore begun at 2: ;30 a.m.e.s.t, on July 20. 1961. At reentry. The retrorocket pa ckage was jettisnned atT 180 minutes, prin t to adding liquid oxygen to T_6 minutes 7 se conds. The drogue parachute

the launch vehi cle, a planned I-hour hold was called was deployed at T+9 minutes 41 seconds, and mainfor another weather e_aluation. The weather parachute, at T+10 minutes 14 seconds. Landingevaluation was favorable and the countdown pro- occurred at T_-15 minutes 37 seconds.


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TSN'_REFE RENCE -MIN:SEC

fAPOGEE

MAX. ALT. APPROX. 102.8N.M. _ // _ 3 ATTITUDE FOR RE TROFIRINGAT 34 : 4 5ETRO F IRE SEQUENCE 295qlT L _TED '

34c _c ! MI1N1 3 TEFTER REURCF[ RE STA RTS

34o v R ETROFIRE /

_ NORM3 .L RB WiI_G ATTiTUDE_4 _3v,- .S_-_T_".5EC _?ERVAk8 - _4) / / T N % secA_ ERREaR'PA*m_C_

_ / XER mE OF MANUAL ON- ROL SYSTEM _' _ rE -:8CN,Pm RIS_OPE ISRETRACTED

AT .TrTUDE pROG RA_i_;G o . OF A_ACK _--_&O c -cRYASCS , COUNTE R CLOC K- 2 0 , + 7 ANGLE- - . z . . _ , _,'_ 4 _SEA W MANWUVER AF TER .'5 g , STEADY ROL_ C _

_ 5 SEC PER[OD OF - RATEDAMPS_G _

%-- 02:3 3 SPACECRA F T SEpAP_.TION . _5_

2 _ 02:23CUTOF O p I 1_L

/ TOTAL FLIGHT TLtv_ APP ROX. 15MIN. 05-2 3

25 50 75 _._ 125 i50 175 23 .2, 22z k_D

RANGE, NAUTICAL MILES

FIGURE2-5. Flight profile for MR4.

ACCELERATION,A comparison of the flight parameters of MR -4 NITS

and MR -3 spacecraft, listed ii1 table 2 -1, shows that (:JI_both flights provided similar conditions. l0

,"'REENTRY

TAB LE 2-I.--Comparison of Flight Parameters for -LAUNCH -VEHICLEMR -3 and MR -4 Spacecr aft CUTOFF

6 > _MIN,23 SE C

Parameter . MR 3 MR-4 m

--- flight flight 4 _ -MAIN PARACHUTEDEPLOYMENT

Range, nauti cal mil es ............ 263.1 262.5Maximum altitude, nautical mile s... 10l. 2 102 .8 I _ I i I I IMaximum exit dynamic pre ssure, 0 2 4 6 8 I0 I_ 14

lb/sq ft ........................ 586.0 605.5 TIME , MIN

Maximum exit longitudinal load FLOURS 2q5. Acceleration time history for 3 ,lRq flightfactor, g units .................. 6. 3 6. 3

Maximum reentry longitudinalload fa ctor, g units .............. 11.0 11. t The spacecraft and its systems performed well on

Period of weightlessness, mtn:see . . . 5:04 5:00 the MR-4 flight; the niaj or difficulty was the as yetEarth-fixed velocity, ft /see ......... 6,414 6, 618 unexplained premature separation of the side egressSpac e-fixed velocity, fi /see ......... 7,388 7,580 hatch. A minor control problem was noted in that

design turning rates were not achieved with full stickdeflection. This problem is believed to be due to

The acceleration time hi story occurring during the control linkage rigging.MR4 flight is shown in figure 2-6 and i s very sim-ilar to that of the MR 3 flight (ref. 1). c_ -_%_,_, ,__ _c_c_,_,,_/C-4 I POINT

CANAVE RAL___A / C_5he recovery-force deployment and spacecraft _ /DO -2 SPACECRAFT_P_EDI CTE9LANDIN G_li DO-3 pOINT

landing point are shown iii figure 2-7 . The space- _1 ,GO-, _c_

craft wa s lost during the po stlandlng recovery period : .Als, '_ /C-*

as a result of premature actuation of the explosively FLORIDA - o.actuated side eg ress hatch. The astronaut egressed

from the spacecra ft immediately afte r hatch actua-tion and was retri eved after being in the water fo rab_"_ 3 to 4 minutes. FiGc.z 2-7. Cha r t of recovery oper ations.

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References

1. Anon.: Proveedings o] Con/erence on Results o] the First U .S. ]tanned Suborbital .';pace Flight . NASA, ;t.Health, and Nat. Aead Sci., June 6. 1961.

2. H.s.!',I?.IACK,Eao_tc B., and HEI_I-mLIG,XCK (2: The .] lercur y-Redstone Program . [Preprint] 2238_51. American Ro cketSoc., Oct. 1961.


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RESULTS OF THE MR-4 PREF LIGHT AND POSTF LIGHTMEo lCAL EXAMINATION CONDU CTED ON ASTRONAUT VIRGIL

I. GRISSOM

By WI LL IAMK. DOUG LAS, M.D. , Astronaut Fli ght Sur geon, N ASA Manned Spacecra/t Center; CARMAU LTB. JACKSON , Jr. , M.D., Li/e Syste ms Divisio n, NASA Manned Spacecrajt Center; ASHTON GRAYBIE L,M.D., USN School o/ Aviation Medicine, Pensacola, Fla .; GEORCERUFF, M.D., Un iversity o/Penn .sylvania; EOWAa VC. KNOB LOCK,Ph.D., Walter Reed Army Medical Center; WILLI AM S. AUGERSON,M.D., Li/e Syste ms Division, NASA Manned Spacecra/t Center; and C. PATRICK LAUGHLnX ,M.D. ,Li/e Systems Division, NASA Manned S pacecra/t Center

This paper presents the results of the clinical Culture of these le sions in August 1961 wa s sterile.and biochemical examinations conducted on Astro- These lesion s were attributed to the u se of electrode

haut Virgil I. Gri ssom prior to and following paste and were also noted on the pilot of MR-3the MR4 mission. The objectives of such an flight.examination program were presented in the MR-3 The preflight examination on July 21 , 1961 , isreport on Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr. (ref. 1). reported in detail. A feeling of mild "sore throat"Basically, the health of the astronaut before and was reported; otherwise the body systems reviewafter the space flight was a ssessed and any altera- was negative. Psychiatric examination reported"notions were sought out that might have resulted from evidence of overt anxiety , that Astronaut Grissomthe stres ses imposed by the space flight. Similar explained that he wa s aware of the dangers of flight,medical and biochemical examinations had been ac- but saw no gain in worrying about them." In fact ,

complished during the Mercury-Redstone centrifuge "he felt somewhat tired , and was less concernedtraining sessions and provided data of comparative about anxiety than about being sufficiently alertvalue, to do a good job." At the physical examination

,b--ds important to point out the limitation s in the vital signs (table 3-I) were an oral temperaturet lng examination finding s with specific flight of 97.8 F, blood pressure of 128 /75 (right armst s. The last preflight examination was per- sitting), weight of 150.5 lb, pulse rate of 68, andformed approximately 5 hours before lift-off and re spiration rate of 12. In spection of the skin re-the final postftight examination 3 hour s after space- vealed there were small pustules at the site of the

craft landing. The strenuous effort by Astronaut lower sternal electrode, but it was otherwi se clear.Grissoln during hi s recovery from the ocean may The same shotty nontender inguinal and axillarywell have produced changes which overshadowed nodes were felt. Eye , ear, nose, and mouth examina-any flight induced effect s, tion was negative. There was slight to moderate

Astronaut Grissom was examined several times oropharyngeal lymphoid hyperpla sia. The tracheain the preflight period as two launch attempt s were was midline , the neck normally flexible , and thecanceled before the actual flight on July 21 , 1961. thyroid gland unremarkable. The lungs were clearThc initial clinical and biochemical examinations to percu ssion and auscultation throughout. Heart

were performed on July 17 , 1961, at which time sounds were of normal quality, the rhythm wasquestioning disclosed no subjective complaints, regular , and the heart was not enlarged to percus-Positive physical finding s were limited to shotty , sion. Palpitation of the abdomen revealed nonontender inguinal and axillary adenopathy , and spasm, tenderness , or abnormal masse s. The geni-mild pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia. The skin at talia, back, and extremities were normal. Calf andthe lower sternal electrode placement site exhibited thigh measurements were:a well circmnscribed area (1 cm in diameter) of

eruption. Thi s lesion appeared to consi st of about Calf Thigh8 to 10 small pustules arising from hair follicle s.

Upon closer examination of this eruption in August Right ................ 15}_in. 21 in.1961, it became apparent that the pustules seen in Left ................. 15 ,7,_in. 20_ in.

ad, by this later date , become inclusion cysts.

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Neurological examination revealed no abnormality, as a temperature of 98.4 IoraD; blood pre ssure ofAn electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram , and 125 /85 sitting, 124, /82 standing, 122 /78 'e ;chest X-ray were normal, unchanged from Septem- pulse rate of 90; and weight of 147.5 pound.her 1960. Vital capacity standing, measured with Ophthahnological examination approxima,_,y 6a bellows spirometer, was 5.0 liters. Analysis of hour s post(light showed slight injection of the con-the urine and blood (tables 3-II and 3-IIit re- junctiva of the left eye. These findings , as well' asvealed no abnormality, nasal muco sa edema , were a scribed to salt water

As with the MR-3 flight, members of the medical exposure. The lungs remained clear to percussionexamining t eam were eilher tran sported to the Grand and au scultation. The abdomen , genitalia, back, andBahama Island debriefing site a day prior to launch extremities were normal. Neurological examinationor flew down immediately after launch, revealed "change s consistent with muscular fatigue

The initial postfligh: medical examination was in a normal individual." The electroencephalogram,conducted immediately after Astronaut Grissom ar- electrocardiogram , and che st X-ray revealed norived aboard the recovery aircraft carrier , USS abnormality. Vital capacity measurement was 4.8

Randolph, approximatdy 15 minutes after space- and 4.9 liter s. An exerci se tolerance test (Harvardcraft landing in the ocean. The examination wa s step) wa s within control range.conducted by the same physicians who examined Additional examination s in the en suing 48 hoursAstronaut Shepard aboard the USS Lake Cham plain . revealed no changes when compared with preflight

The findings disclosed vital signs of rectal tem- studies.perature of 100.4 F; pul se rate from 160 initially The vital sic -msare summarized in table 3-I. Re-to 104 (supine at end of examination); blood pres- suit s of the biochemical determination are presentedsure of 120.. /85 LA sitting, 110 /88 standing, and in tables 3 -II to 3-V. Control data from Redstone118 /82 supine; weight of 147.2 pound s, and respira- centrifuge experience are included.tory rate of 28. On general inspection, the astro- Table 3 VI shows comparisons between clinicalhaut appeared tired and was breathing rapidly ; his observations from single simulated Redstone mis-skin wa s warm and moi st. Eye, ear, nose, and sions conducted at the Johnsville human centrifugethroat examination revealed slight edema of the (with a 5-psia 100-percent oxygen environment) andmucosa of the left nasal cavity and no other ab- the MR4 flight. The examinations were me ' he-normalities. Chest examination showed no signs fore and after the simulation, at times compsof atelecta sis although there wa s a high noise level tho se in the actual flight.in the examining room. No rales were heard and An evaluation of the clinical and biochemicalthe pilot showed no tendency to cough. Vital ca- studies permits the following conclusions:pacity measured with a bellows spirometer while (a) Astronaut Gris som was in good health priorstill in suit wa s 4.5 liter s to and following hi s MR-4 flight. The immediate

Peripheral pulse s were de scribed as normal and postflight examination revealed changes consi stenta left axillary node was noted. The abdomen was with general fatigue and sea water expo sure.soft with normal bowel sounds. (b) Clinical examination di sclosed no specific

The pilot voided three time s without fluid intake, functional derangement that could be attributed toThe limited neurological examination disclo sed no the spaceflight stresses.abnormalities. Extrendty mea surements were as (c) No specific biochemical alteration occurred

follows: that could be attributed to a spaceflight stres s effect.Acknowled gments--Special acknowledgment is

Calf Thigh paid to Drs. Robert C. Lanning IUSN) and JeromeStrong (USA) who conducted the physical exami-nation aboard the USS Ra ndolph; Dr. James F.

Right .............. 15!._in. 20_ in. Culver of the USAF School of Aviation Medicine,Left .................. ; 15!_.in. 20L_in.

who performed the ophthalmologic examinations;Dr. Phillip Cox. Andrews Air Force Base Ho spital,

After a short nap and breakfast he was flown to who participated in the phy sical examinations; and

Grand Bahama Island arriving approximately 3 Dr. Franci s Kruse of the Lackland Air Force Ba sehours after spacecraft landing. His general appear- Hospital , who performed the neurological exami.ance was much improved. Vital signs were recorded nations. Dr. Walter Frajola of Ohio State 1' --

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sity made some of the biochemical determination s, Manned Spacecraft Center, collected and processedar '_s Rita Rapp, Life Systems Divi sion, NASA the biochemical specimen s.

Reference

1. JAC KSON, CARMAULT., Jr. , DOUG LAS, WILLIAMK., et al.: Results o/ Pre fight and Postflight Medical Exami natio ns.Proc. Conf. on Results of the Fir st U.S. Manned Suborbital Space Flight , NASA , Nat. Inst. Health, and Nat. Acad. Sci.June 6 , 1961 , pp. 31-36.

BibliographyGlucose:

NELSON,M.: Photometric Adaptation o/ So mogyi Method /or Determination o/ Glucose . Jour. Biol. Chem. , vol. 153 ,1944, pp. 375-380.

Total protein, albumin:COUN , C., and WO LFSON,W. G.: Studies in Serum Prot eins . l--The Chemical Estimation o! Albumin and o / the

Globulin Fractions in Serum . Jour. Lab. Clin. Med., vol. 32 , 1947, pp. 1203 1207.GORNAL L, A. G. , BARDAWIL L, C. J., and DAVID ,M. M.: Determination o/ Seru m Proteins by Means o/ the Biuret

Reaction . Jour. Biol. Chem. , vol. 177, 1949 , pp. 751-766.Urea nitrogen:

GENTZKOW, C. J., and MASEN, J. _I.: An Accurate Method /or the Determinati on o/ Blood Urea Nitro gen b y DirectNessleriza tion . Jour. Biol. Chem., vol. 143 , 1942 , pp. 531-544.

Calcium:DmHL, H., and ELL INGBOE, J. L. : Indicator /or Titration o/ Calcium in Presence o f Magnesiu m With Disodium Dih y-

drogen Ethylene Dia minetetraacetate . Anal. Chem. , vol. 28, 1956, pp. 882-884.Chloride:

SCHA LES,0., and SC HALS,S. S.: A Simple and Accurate Method /or the Dete rmination o/ Chloride in BiologicalFluids . Jour. Biol. Chem., vol. 140, 1941, pp. 879-884.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine:

WEIL-MALHEaaE,H., and BONE,A. D.: The Adrene rgic Amines o! Human Blood . Lancet, vol. 264, 1953, pp. 974_977.GaaY, I. Yo u_we, J. G., KE caN, J. F . , MEHEMAN,lq., and SO UTHEaLA-','D,. W.: Adrenaline and , orepinep hrine Con -centration in Plasma o/Humans and Rats . Clio. Chem., vol. 3 , 1957, pp. 239 248.

Sodium potassi um by flame photometry:BESK_ AN $., HENaY, R. J., GO LUB, O. J., and SEA CALOW,M.: Tungstic Acid Precipitation o/ Blood Proteins . Jour.

_;ol. Chem., vol.206, 1954, pp. 937-943.V ndelie acid:

OEaMAN.F. W., Jr., et al.: A Method jor the Dete rmination o/ 3 -Methoxy .4-Hydroxy mandelic Acid ("Van #-mandelic Acid ") jor the Diagnosis o/ Pheochromocyto ma. Am. Jour. Clin. Pathoh, vol. 34, 1960, pp. 293 312.

TA BLE 3-I.-- Vital Si gns

Preflight Postflight

--7 hr +30 min +2 hr

(Cape Canaveral) (Shipboard) (Grand BahamaIsland)

Body weight nude (po st voiding) .......... , 150 lb 8 oz ......... 147 lb 3 oz ......... 147 lb 8 ozTemperature, F ......................... 97.8 (oral) .......... 100.4 (r ectal) ...... 98.4 (oral)Pulse per min ............................ 68 ................. ! 160 to 104 ......... 90Respiration p er min ....................... 12 ................. [ 28 ............... 14Blood pre ssure, mm tlg: I I

1120 /85. 125/85Sitting .............................. i 128 /75 ............. , ...........110/88. 124 /82

Standing ............................. l .................... ...........Supine .............................. i .................... , 118/82 ............ 122 /78

Vital capacity (bellows spirometer) liters .... i 5.0 ................ ; 4.5 ............... 4.8I 4.9

i m

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TAB LE 3-[I.-- Results qf Urine Tests

Centrifu ge MR-4 flight

P ostrun Prefli ght Postflight

Pre- I hr +24 hrrun During i

+30min - }-2hr --6hr count-own q-lhr, q-3hr +6hriq-13_ +26r li

Sampl e volume, mi... 125 185 47 0 135 i 185 11 0 300 100 475 135 315Specific gravity ...... 1. 023 1.005 1. 011 1. 020 1. 011 1. 010 1.022 1. 020 1. 022 1. 025 1.015Albumin ............ N eg. Neg. Neg. N eg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg.Glucose ............. N eg. Neg. Neg. Neg. N eg. Neg. N eg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg.Ketones ............ Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg.Occuh blood ........ N eg. Neg. Neg. N eg. Neg. Neg. Neg. N eg. Neg. Neg. Neg.pH ................. 6.4 6.2 6.2 6.6 6.8 6.4 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.8Na, mEq /L ......... 130 28 79 142 76 70 122 128 140 114 140K, mEq/L .......... 6 2 28 39 35 18 19 37 39 25 49 71CI, mEq /L ............................... 55 68 130 65 111 68 69 178Microscopic examina-

tion .............. No form ed elements observed

I Breakfa st eaten following previ ous sample.

TABLE 3-IIL--Peripheral Blood Findin gs

Preflight Postflight

--3 day s -kl hr +5 hr +49 '

Hematocrit, percent ................................. 42.5 42.2 42.5 42.7Hemoglobin, t g ..................................... 14. 1 14. 4 14. 6 14. 2White blood cell s, per lama .......................... 6, 500 7, 200 9, 100 6, 700Red blood c ells, millions /mm 3........................ 4. 81 4. 75 4. 67 4. 71Differential blood count:

Lympho cytes, percent ........................... 4 6 40 29 35Neutrophile s, perce at ............................ 46 54 66 59Band cell s, percent .............................................Monocyte s, percent ............................. 5 4 3 4Eosinophile s, percent ............................ 1 2 2 2Basophiles, percent .............................. 2 0 0 0

Acid Hematin methoc.

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TABLE3-IV.-- Blood ChemistryFindin gs

Centrifug e MR 4 flight

Postrun Preflight Po stflightPrernn

I

q-30 min +2 hr --4 davs +! hr q-5 hr I +49 hr: [i

Sodium (serum), mEq /L ....... ! 147 141 143 142 140 144 [ 141Potassium (serum), mEq /L ..... 5.4 5. 9 4.6 4. 1 3.5 4. 4 4. 8Chloride, mEq /L .............. 89 94 90 97 95 101 99Protein, total ................. 7.5 8.0 7.6 7. 4 7. 3 7. 1 7. 9

Albumin, g /100 mi ............. 4. 1 4.3 4.0 3.25 4. 2 5.0 4.2Globulin, g /100 mi ............. 3.4 3.7 3.6 4. 15 3.1 2.1 4.7

Glucos e, rog/100 ml ............ 78 118 95 94 136 105 ..........Epinephrine, 1 _g /L ............ GO. l GO. 1 GO. 1 GO. 1 GO . 1 GO. 1 ..........

Norepinephrine, 2 _g /L ......... . 2. 3 7. 2 1.5 5. l 16. 5 7. 2 ..........I [ ,

I Normal value s: fl. 0 to 0.4 _g /L

2 Normal val ues; 4. 0 to 8.0 _g /L

TABLg 3-V.-- Plasma Enzymes Determinations

Centrifuge MR-4 flight

Normal range,units Postrun Preflight PostflightPrerun

-k30min i w-2hr --4days q-3hr q-49hr-- [

aminases: I,GOT ................ 0 to 35 15 19 13 19 21 28

SGPT ................. , 0 to 20 8 8 8 6 6 7130 to 260 260 215 280 225 205 165Esterase acetylcholin e .....

Peptidase leucylamino ...... 100 t o 310 190 250 200 370 375 385Aldolase .................. 50 to 150 19 28 22 6 13 3Isomerase phosphohexose... 2 10 to 20 ............................... 42 86 17

Dehygrogenases:Lactic ................. 150 to 250 170 155 190 190 250 220

Malic ................. : 150 to 250 140 220 170 235 275 220Succinic ............... Neg. N eg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg.Inosine ................ Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg ..................... ! .........

Alpha-ketoglutaric ...... Neg. Neg. Neg. N eg., 0to,0 .......... .................... ...... 3!........ 6.......... LL-Glutamicl Scitric............................ I 0 to 10 .............................. i 11 3 11 i

i Alk pho s .................. i .............. i.................... .......... 4 3 8

I ApH unit s.2 Bodan sky units.

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TAaLE 3-YI.-- Coml _arison of Physical Examination Findin gs Durin g Simulated and Actual Fli ght

q

Simulat ed Redstone I Simulat ed Redstone I1 MR-4 fligh

Temp erature, F:Before ....................... 97.9 .................. 97.4 ................. I 97.8After .......................... 99.0 ................ 98.0 ................. ' 98.4

Change ....................... 1.1 . ................ 0.6 .................. 0.6Weight, lb:

Before ........................ 15 0.31 .............. 148.25 .............. 150.5After ........................ 147.10 .............. 146.36 ............... 1 !-7.5Loss .......................... 3.21 ................ 1.89 ................. 3.0

Pulse rate per rain:Before ........................ 68 .................. 69 ................... 68After ......................... 82 .................. 84 ................. 160 to 104

Blood pres sure (LA), mm Hg:

Before ....................... 110'68 .............. 100. /70 ............... : 128 /75After ........................ 100. :70 ................ 128 /80 ............... : 120/84

Vital capacity, lit ers:Before ...................... 5.9 ................................... 5.0After ....................... 5.4 ..................................... 4.5

Postfllght physical find ing s ........ Che st clear to P and Che st clear; DTR' s Chest clear ; no pete-_k; sl ight ly increa sed 2 +; no pet echia, chia; app eared1)TR's; no change fatigued.ia ECG; no pete-chia; appears warmand lired.

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4. PHYSIO LOGICAL RESPONSES OF THE ASTRONAUTIN THE MR-4 SPA CE FLIGHT

By C. PATRICK LAUGHLIN, M.D., Life Systems Division, NASA Manned Spacecra/t Ce nter; and WILLIAMS. AUCERSON ,M.D. , Li/e Systems Division, NASA Manned Spacecra/t Center

Objectives forming vehicle control maneuvers and with monitor-ing of spacecraft sy stems. He was, in his own word s,

The space flight of Mercury-Redstone 4 accom- "fascinated" with the view from the spacecraft win-plished several life- science objective s. Specifically , dow. The firing of the retrorockets at T+5 minutesa second United States astronaut experienced the 10 seconds re sulted in a brief lg deceleration. Atcomplex stresses associat ed with manned space T + 7 minute s 28 second s the 0.05g relay signaledflight ; physiological data reflecting the respon ses the on set of reentry , and deceleration forces climbedof a second United State s astronaut to space flight quickly to llg. Drogue and main parachute actua-were obtained ; and additional experience was gained tion occurred at T + 9 minute s 41 seconds and T -4-in the support of manned space flight which will 10 minute s 13 second s, respectively, and a 4g spikeinfluence procedures in subsequent operations, wa s seen with opening of the main parachute. Land-

ing occurred at T + 15 minutes 37 seconds, 7:35The Space Flight E nvironmen t a.m.e.s.t.

After two attempts at launching in the 4 days pre- Suit and cabin pre ssure level s declined rapidlyceding the flight, A stronaut Gris som entered the from launch ambient levels, a s programed, and sta-

'raft at 3:58 a.m.e. s.t, on July 21, 1961. Hi s bilized at approximately 5 psia with the suit pressure:ation had proceeded smoothly, beginning at slightly abov e cabin pressure. These pressures were

l:t0 a.m.e.s.t, a s discussed in paper 5. He was maintained until snorkle valve opening at T + 9wearing the Mercury full-pre ssure suit and wa s posi- minute s 30 second s during parachute de scent.tioned in hi s contour couch in the semi supine po si- Suit inlet temperature ranged from 55 F to 62 Ftion, with head and back rai sed approximately 10 during countdown and flight and reached a level ofand leg s and thighs flexed at approximately 90 73 F after approximately 9 minute s on the waterangles. This position wa s maintained until egress after landing.

from the spacecraft after landing. One.hundred- Monitoring and Data S ourcespercent oxygen wa s supplied when pres sure suit con-nection s to the spacecraft environmental control sy s- Medical monitoring technique s and bio sensortem were completed. The total time in the spacecraft application were identical with those utilized in theduring the countdown was 3 hours 22 minute s. Dur- MR -3 mission I ref. 1). The total monitoring time

ing the extended countdown, Astronaut Gri ssom per- wa s approximately 3 hour s and 35 minute s, corn-formed numerous spacecraft checks and "relaxed" mencing with entrance into the spacecraft and end-with periodic deep breathing , muscle tensing, and lng in loss of signal after landing. Physiologicalmovement of hi s limbs. At the lift-off signal , the data were monitored from the medical con soles inRedstone launch vehicle ignited and accelerated Mercury Control Central and the Red stone block-smoothly, attaining a peak of 6.3g at T + 2 minute s house, and signals were received during the later22 seconds. Then the spacecraft separated from the flight stages at Bermuda and on downrange ships.launch vehicle and gravity force s were abruptly Again the a stronaut' s inflight voice transmissionsterminated. A period of 5 se conds ensued while and postflight debriefing were particularly signifi-

spacecraft turnaround and rate damping occurred, cant as data source s, l Sample s of in flight tele-During the 5 minutes of weightle ss flight which fol- m etry data r ecorded at variou s monitoring stations

l, Astronaut Grissom wa s quite active in per- are shown in fig s. 4-1 to 44.) In addition, the

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Body temperature (99 .5F)

ECG 2 (Sternal)

Respira tion tra ce

Speech

FIGURE 4-[. Blockhouse telemetry, record obtained during countdown (5:43 a.m.e. s.t.).

canceled mission of July 19 with 4 hours of count- r etrorock et firing. Thc pulse rat e was above toodown provided interesting comparative phy siologi- beak s per minute during all but a few seconds of

cai data. Astronaut Grissom's phy siologic re sponses weightle ssness. Pulse rate declined slightly follow-to 17 Mercury-Redstone g-profile centrifuge run s ing reentry deceleration and then fluctuated con-were also available a s d_,namic control data. Un- siderably during parachute de scent and wa s 137fortunately , the astronaut: observer camera film was beat s per minute on landing. All inflight pul se rate slost with the sunken spacecraft, were determined every 15 seconds , counting for 10-

second duration s.

Resu lts of Observations of Physiological Electrocardiographic trace quality from bothFunction sternal and axillary lead s was quite satisfactory dur-

Figures 4-5 and 4-6 depict the pulse rate during ing countdown and flight. Sinus tachycardia andthe countdown , tabulatec by a 10-second duration occasional sinus arrhythmia were present. No ab-pulse count for each minute of count time. Pulse normalitie s of rhythm or wave form were observed.rates occurring at similar event s in the canceled mis- Re spiratory rate during countdown varied fromsion countdown are al so indicated. The countdown 12 to 24 breaths per minute a s shown in figure s 4-5pulse rate rang ed from (5 to 116 per minute until and 4%. Unfortunately, re spiratory trace quality,shortly before lift ,off, tis plotted in figure 4-7, which had been quite acceptable during countdown,pulse rate began accelerating from T-1 minutes deteriorated during mo st of the flight , precludingthrough launch, attaining a rate of 162 beat s per rate tabulation. Som e readabl e trace r eturned late

minute at spacecraft separation and turnaround in the flight , and a high of 32 breaths per minutemaneuver. Som e slight rate decline trend wa s ap- wa s noted.parent during th e first 2 minutes of w eightlessnes s, Body t emperature Irectal) varied from 99.5 'returning to a high of 171 beat s per minute with mediat ely after astronaut entry into the spac

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to 98.6 just before launch. There was a gradual sitting upright and moving backward was describedi._- se to 99.2 in thelatt er phases of flight. These and the sensation revers ed to forward travel with, s are considered to be insignificant, and , sub- retrorocket firing. This orientation may have beenjec,,,ely, temp erature comfort was reported to be related to his position relative to Cape Canaveral;quite satisfactory during the countdown and flight, that i s, observing the Cape receding behind through

Astronaut Gris som made coher ent and appro- the spacecraft window. No di sturbance s in well-

priate voice tran smissions throughout the flight. At being were reported during the flight and the ab-the postflight debriefing, he reported a number of sence of gravity produced no specifically recognizedsubjective impre ssions gained while in flight. He symptoms. The a stronaut was not aware of hi snoted that the vibration experienced at maximum heart beating throughout the mis sion. Hearing wasdynamic pre ssure wa s "very minor" and did not adequate throughout the flight according to pilotinterfere with vi sion. A brief tumbling sensation reports and voice response s. Near and di stantwas noted at launch-vehicle cutoff. This sensation visual acuity and color vi sion appeared to be nor-

was only momentary and wa s not accompanied by mally retained. The jettisoned e scape tower wasnausea or disturbed vision. A di stinct feeling of followed for several seconds through the spacecraft

ECG g(Ste r nall=:'-::.:::_-d=. ,-.,:: ! ,I :t;I _l_ll .:k'e_'['= YT_ :.: : ... tr_v*_=_m-, -.-,; ....... ;; ; ;, ,; q ,-,mi , ,I,hl":l"q' E

,._:_,,*::*::* :!_ -_ .............................. 15........... .. ,_-ii. _.... _I 1t *_ ,-- - :[}t-__; ._!:,, _!_ v-! ::=

[,]T[::2Z]Ii::[]:J!:i!U[,7;[:;;Ir/.:*,I'1;:_='[_i.kM_:i q:i,'l_[ ! Ill iil;i i't l, ?.i,li,i'_.-I,,I,,-J,;:lt]lid_: ;-l_k200:3 0 00:4S

Ch_.nge o f rec ord speed

Fn;uP, E 4-2. Merc ury Control Center record during launch pha se (00:30 to 00:45). First part of record at 25 mm /sec,second part at 10 mm /sec.

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.................................................................... i__a_.k: i _ - _7-- -_;_ :ii_i_- i i-_ i_ i_ !_ _i_i-_iF i --ik- '-i i:_ik--ii_iikq__iiiE ii_:i_i _i--_---i_i _i_ :_i_ !_ !_ !_fi=i-i-iiii---i-i_-ilL- : .'-i-i%:i ii_Ei__i_i-_;_;:_c=_ ik'ii -_ii_ i_ >=_F=_:_;_::_:_="_=- -_-=_ _--;_=:_;_ =__-_i_ ;E;;_ :_;=___ ii .5i_._;_F :;_=:___ _:_ _ _E_ _;_--_i i_ili_ii_i ii_l!!_!========= ===================:::=:: ==:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::;;:;;::::;:::_iL ?_E:E _, H!H Lilln!!!_!

i !!!!!!iiiiiii}ii

. ... .. --: =;:=;; =::_:=;: = ;;=::=; ;:: ==================== ================================ ============================================= =====: ;: ;;_: ::=: := :_:---:_ z:_:=::= := --::=:::m::::::_ ......

EE :E-EE--E ::iE?Ei -.HE_E ---]i iE iE - EEE_iE_.EL- :-_!E_ :-:'-E--iZ-:ff::_!_fEF_F_[E_ :-::L_fT:::-:2:i_-EEE[i:-!_.E!E__.:_&E_E_[[i_i_Em_Eii_ --_E;[-; ; 'J!,=============== ======= ================= ; :;;- iEiiiiiiLiTiiEiE[ iFE[_iii[iii;;iii_iiiEiifEii H iEEiE3EiiiiiEi}iii!EHfEEiH_E :E E!E!L!!E!!Eii_iii_iiiHi ti ili i_ ETWi'_

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :: : :x::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ......................................

E ! . i E _E E - i - !E ? = :EiEiEEEEEiEEEEE_iEE? EEEE EEE_ EEE ;=_Ei=;_= :i i;= : _: E :_ '; =' ' : ' ' _ .

Respiration _ _ ._: -- .......... _"_" "_ _. ' '_:_........ ._-.. === === ==== ======= = =====r ::: ::: ::: : :::: : :: :::: :::::::::::::: :. -* _::_,:.-: :::::: : ::_ :1:, ._ :lt._u::il:: ,_',_-.

_-;_i_. r- ii; ;i '_- _ :.:: :F,._ ;L _. i_ ...... ql : ',i i! , i_r '!+t-f i-'--:.=-d'_-_-:_:_':--_ '* c-_ ,-_:: ,, ...............=:--': _ '" '- '::-':....._, _ : _: ,_,, ; ii _T_r _-- -r-_ = _;m =!_-_ : i: _i ii_'!_

Flor:RE _3. Bermud a Mercury Stati on record (10 mm/sec) taken just before 0.05g as period of weightle ssness wasnearing end.

window and a planet (Venus) was ob served just be - Astronaut Gris som 's Mercury -Redstone centrifugefore burnout. Vivid contrasting color was reported pulse rate s were tabulated and are pre sented graph-

during ob servation of th,_ sky and earth. The pro- ically in figure 4-7 for compari son with the flightgrained turnaround and other maneuvers of the pulse data. The highest ratenoted for hi s centrifugespacecraft produced char ging level s of illumination experience was 135 beats per minute. Al so shown inwithin the cabin, necessttating con siderable visual figure 4-7 ar e Astronaut Gri ssom's re spiratory rateadaptation.

Improved environmental control system instru- respon ses during four Mercury-Red stone centrifugesessions.

mentation permitted a determination of astronautoxygen con sumption during the countdown. This Conc lusionswas calculated to be abou : 500 cc /min. A very high

usage rate wa s noted during flight as a result of An evaluation of the phy siological response s ofsystem le&kage, and metabolic utilization could not the a stronaut of the MR4 space flight permits thebe determined, following conclu sions:

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,,\ ,,_, 'k /

Respiratory trace. (Some variations represent speech)

i I L i ] II i i _ ' I J i

_ '"'" ' / _' z_ '_" /"_i '_"- '_' "_' '_ .., ' .'.. ,,2', _L'""" % *'t'_j _' ' '_ _"_71 "'' "' /'1_" _ ' _ '_1" '" ' k / x. - _ '

ECG trace I (Axillary - small ampitude displacements due to muscle movement)

,, \ \ \ \ ,, ,,, ,,,, J _, V ' _ , ',2 _, , ,, v v

ECG 2 (Sternal) Showing sinus tachycardia

Body temperature trace(99.2F)

FIGURE 4--4. Telemetry-aircraft record obtained 9 minutes af ter reentry..

(1) There is n o evidence that the space flight impo sed and were con sistent with intact perform-stresses encountered in the MR M, mission produced ance function.

detrimental physiological effect s. (3) No specific phy siologic findings could be(2) The pulse-rate re sponses reflected A stronaut attributed to weightles sness or to acceleration-

Grissom 's individual reaction to the multiple stresse s weightle ssness transition stres ses.

Reference

1 . HENRY, JAMES P., and _ rHEELWRIGIIT,CHARLESD.: Bioinstrumentation in MR 3 Pli ght . Proc. Conf. on Results of the'qrst U.S. Manned Suborbital Space Flight , NASA , Nat. Inst. Health , and Nat. Acad. Sci., June 6 , 1961 , pp. 3743.

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-;.,.

F'a;[ _z 4 5. Pulse and respiration rates during countdown 14:00 to 5:30 a.m.e.s.t._.

-:' ii i;_u ......:_:; ...... :;u::_.-- -=-.= :_ ,-I:.]]._-; ;;;::J'j: _xT. == '-:; ;;;::::_EiE{i {m-:_Z :._::'"_; . Z : : ] 'T_ Z=- ]_;_ ..%E'_ _ _ ._.'];_ --.ZX::X: :iL:---- r:={_.'_]:;::;;::; ---:=:. =:;x7_ _!ii iimE!i!:i;!; ;; i t /id

....................... : _; 77Z .......... J

L-!:!i:,; '-- -'--q:::'N7ix:E, _ ..... , ......... .. ;::-_':=: :::x .= :::- -x ii :qZi_? _ ; k f: :, ' i i Z ii i_ -i .- -._ZZ' 17::ZZiiZiZ_ Z- _-- i 7 ___ '-

::_:::: ::: '_ _.._ .... :;z:;:rF ;;Zk: :i/}!E:' E;-{;; ._j _%m._: :_; % %% L E _.,._ ZiZ"_ i_i-'_'_::::__-._?;E_L_ b5_ /dEi:;ii;;;i; {:; ;: :i..,

iZX :;:ZZZ -i_ x%! :::::::_:-:=;:'_:: = : :::::..: :__:xz :Fi: : 7 ,_[:= :----;-.:x::: .... -_z _ ::::::: ::x:_ Z: =: !i ; _b' iE:i ;;;!E;; i; !i i; ;i :2_ _;:= :u=== ==i_iii :;Z_=_ _-.._ _.E .__...7__.TZ-_'_ - _[E EkE--q_..5i{- :;:'- : =::: _ ::::::: _' :_ ::_ _L::::: ::: :::x:::: o_;_

a.::= ::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::: : - . - _ --. "_ -_- _---: ......... _ _i ........... .rZ._,_.' .. .:i:_-q

FIcuru 4_5 Pulse and respiratim rates during countd own (5:40 to 7:20 a.m.e.s.t._.

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i

e_ _ e S LI S LL It L_

,h_ for c_i_s _

_a

_ 2o I_lpLrat _ _ t e t in g e _ I LLU# t_

t I _ ie _ s Umh t_ c _m q e

i_a_ ti.,, Ltz:_

FIouaE 4 7. Pulse and respiration rates during flight.

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5. FLIGHT SURGEON'S REPORT FOR MERCURY-REDSTONEMISSIONS 3 AND 4

By WI LL IAMK. DOUGLAS, M.D., A stronaut Fli ght Surgeon, N ASA Man ned Spacecra/t Ce nter

Introduc tion meal so that an epidemiological study can be facili-tated if necessary. The menu for these meals was

This paper describe s some of the operational as- provided by Miss Beatrice Finklestein of the Aero-

pects of the medical support of the two manned sub- space Medical Laboratory, Aeronautical Systemsorbital space flights, designated Mercury-Redstone 3 Division, U.S. Air Force Systems Command. Theand Mercury-Red stone 4. The results of the medical diet is ta sty and palatable as is shown in table 5-Iinvestigative procedures are reported in paper 3 of which gives a typical day' s menu. It has caused nothe pre sent volume and in reference 1. These op- gastrointestinal upsets and i s well tolerated by allerational aspect s can be conveniently divided into persons who have consumed it. In order to assurethree phases: that it would be well tolerated, all of the Mercury

(a) The early preparation period beginning astronauts consumed this diet for a 3-day periodabout 3 days before a launch and conclud- during one of their visits to Wright-Patterson Airing at about T- 12 hour s Force Base in one of the early phases of their train-

(b) The immediate preflight preparation ing program. The use of a separate feeding facility(e) The debriefing period provide s the ability to control strictly the sanitation

of food preparation during this preflight period.Preparation of the Pilot Such control could not as easily be exercised if

meals were taken in a community cafeteria.t'art of the philosophy behind the deci sion to ex- Durirfg this 3-day period before the launch day,

ecute manned suborbital space flights wa s to provide the pilot lives in the Crew Quarter s of Hangar "S"experience and practice for subsequent orbital' which is located in the industrial complex of Capeflights. In light of this philo sophy , it was decided Canaveral. Here he i s provided with a comfortablethat during suborbital flights all preparation s will bed, pleasant surroundings , television , radio, readingbe made for the orbital flight. This explains the materials and, above all , privacy. In addition toreason for such things as the low residue diet and protection from the curious-minded public, the estab-other seemingly inappropriate steps in the prepara- lishment of the pilot and the backup pilot in thetion and support of the pilot. Crew Quarters also provides a modicum of isolation

Three days before the planned launch day , the from carriers of infectious disease organism s. Thispilot and the backup pilot start taking all of their isolation is by no means complete and it is not in-

meals in a special feeding facility. Here, a special tended fo be. An effort is made to provide isolationlow residue diet i s provided. Preparation of this from new arrivals in the community, however. Itdiet is supervi sed by an accredited dietitian , and the is felt that a certain amount of natural inmmnityactual preparation i s performed by a cook whose sole

has been acquired by the pilots in their day-to-dayduty during thi s period i s to prepare these meal s.One extra serving of each item is prepared for each contact s with their as sociates at the launch site.meal. Thi s sample meal i s kept under refrigeration Contact with visitor s from different section s of thefor 24 hours so that it will be available for study country might, however , introduce a strain to whichin the event that the pilot develops a gastrointestinal no immunity had been acquired. Consideration was

illness during this period or subsequently. An effort given at one time to the use of strict isolation tech-is also made to assure that several people eat each nique s during thi s preparation period , but this

23

tho ght s b ndoned b c se of its impr ctic lit There s no st rtle re ction on kening nd the


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thought wa s abandoned b,cau se of its impracticality. There wa s no startle reaction on awakening, and theThe pilot plays a vital rol e in the preparations for immediat e postwaking state was charact eri=his own flight. In order to be effective , a period of eager anticipation and curiosity as to the progstrict i solation would have to last for about 2 weeks; the countdown. After awakening, the pilots per-thus, the service s of the se important individuals formed their morning ablutions and consumed a highwould be unavailable for that period. Further, it protein breakfast consi sting of fruit, steak, egg s,was felt that a 2-week period of strict isolation would juice, and milk. No coffee was permitted during theconstitute a psychological burden which could not 24-hour period preceding the flight because of itsbe justified by the results obtained. As mentioned tendency to inhibit sleep. No coffee was permittedpreviously, the pilot and his colleagues play a vital for breakfa st on launch morning becau se of it srole in th e preparation of the spac ecraft and it s diuretic properti es.launch vehicle for the flight. This period begins After breakfast, the pilots donned bathrobes andabout 2 week s prior to launch and continues up until were taken into the phy sical examination room wherethe day before the launch. During this period of the preflight physical was performed. This exami-

time, the pilot , on occasions , must don his full pres- nation is distinct from that conducted for the purposesure suit and occupy the role of "capsule ob server" of collecting background scientific data , which wasduring the cour se of ceitain checkout procedures, performed by several examiners 2 to 3 day s prior toAdvantage i s taken of these exerci ses to perform the flight. This early examination is reported inlaunch rehearsals of varying degrees of sophisti- paper 3 of the present volume and in reference 1.cation. The most compleze of these exercises occurs The physical examination performed on the morningduring the simulated flight which takes place 2 or 3 of the flight wa s designed to ascertain the pilot's fit-days prior to the launch. This dre_ rehearsal dupli- nes s to perform his mi ssion, h was desired to di s-cates the launch countdown in event time and in cover any acute illness or infirmity which might

elapsed time , but it occurs at a more convenient hour contraindicate the flight.of the day. It not only enables those re sponsible for These examinations failed to reveal anything ofthe readines s of the spacecraft and the launch vehicle significance. The phy siological bradycardia Ipul seto assure themselve s of the status of these com- rate 60 to 70) and nornmtensive (blood pressureportents , but it al so allows those directly concerned 110 /70) state both give some indication of thewith the preparation and in sertion of the pilot to re served air of confidence which typifies b,assure them selves of ther own state of readiness, the se pilots. It is important to emphasize at ,,,sFinally, the se exercise s provide a certain de_ee of point that no medication of any kind was consumedassurance and familiarity for the pilot him self, by either of these pilot s during the several days pre-

On the evening before the flight, the pilot is eh- ceding the launch. Following the preflight physicalcouraged to retire at an etrly hour , but he i s not re- examination, each of the pilots was given a shortquired to do so. The pilot of MR 3 spacecraft re- battery of psychological te sts. In the case of thetired at 10:15 p.m.e. s.t, and th e pilot of MR-4 MR4 pilot, it was po ssible to provide a short inter-spacecraft retired at 9:0 p.m.e. s.t. In both ca ses view by a psychiatrist. Both the testing and thethe pilots fell asleep shortly after retiring without interview were part of the medical investigative pro-benefit of sedatives or drug s of any kind. Their gram and are reported in paper 3 of the pre sentsleep was sound , and insofar as they could remember, volume and reference 1. Suffice it to say at this pointwas dreamle ss. The medical countdown for MR-4 that no abnormalitie s were detected.

flight called for awakening : the pilot at 1:10 a.m.e.s.t. The next step in the preparatory procedures wasitable 5 II). This time was 65 minutes later than the application of the biological sensor harne ss (figs.the wake-up time called fc,r in the MR 3 countdown. 5-1 and 5 -2). Thi s harness is described in detailTime wa s saved here by allowing the pilot to shave in reference 2. The only difference between theand bathe before retiring instead of after awakening sensor s used in MR-3 and MR-4 flights was anin the morning. Anothe_ 15 minutes wa s saved by alteration of the respiration sen sor hou sing for theperforming the final operational briefing in the MR-4 flight to accommodate the microphone oftransfer van on the way to the launch pad, rather different configuration used in the later flight. The

than after arrival as was done in MR-3 flight. When surface of the electrode next to the skin is preparedthey were awakened on the morning of the launch, with an adhesive material identical to that foundboth pilots appeaYed to have been sleeping soundly, on conventional adhe sive tape (elastopla st '

24


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u FTT_IC

FIcnaE 5-1. Three views of a typical electrocardiograph floating electrode as used in Project Mercury. The surface ofthc electrode applied to the skin (right) is fir st painted with adhesive and then filled with bentonite paste.

This preparation mu st be done at least 15 without causing deterioration of the device , each.tes in advance since the solvent for the adhesive pilot is provided with his own personal sen sor har-

is irritating to the skin and mu st be given ample ne ss. This same harne ss is used in all practice exer-opportunity to evaporate before the sensor i s ap- cise s in which the individual participates. It isplied. The dermal surface of this electrode is first simply washed with surgical detergent after eachfilled with bentonite paste and the electrode is ap- use.plied directly to the skin. The skin i s first prepared After the harnes s is applied, the integrity of theby clipping the hair where nece ssary and by cleans- sen sors is checked by the use of a modified Dallonlng with surgical detergent (FSN 6505-116-1740). Cardioscope Ifig. 5 3). With this device, bothThe sensor location s have been previously marked electrocardiographic lead s can be displayed on theon all Mercury pilots by the use of a tiny (about 2 oscilloscope , and the amplitude of the QRS (Q-millimeter s in diameter) tattooed dot at each of the wave , R wave , S-wave) complex can be mea suredfour electrode sites. After the sensor is applied to roughly by comparing it with a standard 1-millivolt

the skin, the uppermost surfa ce of the screen is current. The integrity of the respiration sensor cancovered with the bentonite paste and a small square also be demonstrated by displaying the trace on theofelectrician'splastictapeisappliedovertheopening oscilloscope. No effort is made to calibrate thein the disk. The entire electrode is then covered respiration sensor at this time. The temperaturewith a square of moleskin adhesive tape. This as- probe is also checked by use of a Wheatstone bridge.sembty becomes, then, a floating electrode. The After the sensors have been applied, the pilotelectrician's tape serves to retard somewhat the evap- moves to the pressure-suit room where he dons hisoration of water from the bentonite paste, suit. Since tile mo st uncomfortable period of the

The deep body temperature probe (fig. 5-2) is countdown is that time spent in the suit, a check is

simply a flexible rubber-covered thermistor. Since made ;_.ith the blockhouse to determine the statusit is difficult , if not impossible , to sterilize this probe of the count. If there has been a delay or if one is

25

anticipated, the suit donning i s held up at this point, timation i s possible even under the se circumstance s.


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At some convenient time during the day before the After the pilot is laced in the couch but b' ' -eflight, the suit ha s been a ssembled and inflated to the dynamic leak rate is determined , the tot5 psi, and a leak check is made. The "static" leak per of the suit is opened and the amplifier fo. _ ,erate is determined at this time. These values were re spiration sensor i s delivered. With the vi sor190 cc/min and 140 cc /min for th e MR-3 and closed, and with the microphone positioned a s for

MR4 flights, respectively. After the pilot has flight, tile amplifier i s adjusted to provide a signaldonned hi s suit, he is placed in a couch in the pre s- strong enough to be easily observed but not sosure-suit room and the suit is again inflated to 5 psi. strong as to overload the spacecraft telemetry equip-The ventilation flow i s then turned off and a "dy- ment. Once the dynamic leak rate ha s been de-namic" leak rate is obtained by reference to the flow termined, the suit is not again disturbed except toof oxygen nece ssary to maintain this pre ssure. The open the helmet visor. No zippers are permitted todynamic leak rate for the MR-3 flight was 400 be loosened from that time on. Upon completioncc/rain; for the MR4 , it was 175 cc /min. The of the suit donning procedure , the pilot returns toterm "leak rate" in this dynamic situation is used the examination room where the biosensors arerather loosely since it encompasses not only the ac- again checked on the os cilloscope. This would de-tual leak rate of the suit but also the metabolic use tect any disturban ce created by the donning of theof oxygen. Exact mea:mrement of this rate is suit, and permit it to be corrected at thispoint ratherfurther complicated by the presence of a breathing than later.occupant of the suit; elanges in the o ccupant's If the medical count and the main countdown arevolume occasioned by respiratory movements are still in agreement, a portable ventilating unit is at-reflected as changes in thc. f low rate, but a rough e s- tached to the suit and the pilot and insertion team

[

Fmua 5 -2. Respiration sensor (left) and deep bodytemperature probe (right).

26

proceed to the transfer van. Upon hi s arrival at server (astronaut) leave the transfer van and proceed


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_' 'nsfer van, the onboard ventilation system i s up the elevator to the level of the spacecraft.:d. The integrity of the biosensors is again At this point, the preparation of the pilot ceases

checked by use of a Model 350 , 8-channel Sanborn and the actual insertion of the pilot into the space-recorder. The Sanborn recorder remains attached craft commence s. After the pilot climb s into theto the pilot from thi s point on , and a continuou s re- spacecraft and po sitions himself in the couch , the

cording of the mea sured biological functions is pressure-suit technician attache s the ventilationstarted. A sample record taken while the van wa s hoses , the communication line , the biosen sor lead s,in motion is shown in figure 54. and the helmet visor seal hose, and finally , he attaches

Upon arrival at the launch site , two final strips the restraint harness in position but only fastens itof record are obtained from the Sanborn recorder loosely. At this point, the suit and environmentaland delivered to the medical monitor s at the block- control system i s purged with 100-percent oxygenhouse and at the Mercury Control Center. Both of until such a time a s analysi s of the gas in the systemthese record s contain a 1-millivolt standardization shows that the oxygen concentration exceeds 95 per-pulse, and are utilized by the monitors to compare cent. When the purge of the suit system is corn-with their records as obtained from the spacecraft, pleted, the pressure-suit technician tighten s the re-When notified to do so by the blockhouse , the port- straint harness ; the flight surgeon makes a final in-able ventilating unit is reattached. The pilot , flight spection of the interior of the spacecraft and of thesurgeon , pressure-suit technician , and a pilot ob- pilot , and the hatch installation commences. During

Fmua.z5 3. Cardio scopeused to check out the biosensor harness. The lead into the suit is shown on the lower right , andthe switching boxto displayrespiration and temperature is shownon the lower left.

27


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iiii11111_ 4_ _li,_ii _i_ _i _ i_i !_ iiii 'ii! iiiili_ i_ iii! ili!i _ i_ _-_!_imi .;_ i_ _ii__ _ _ill! ii_- _i _ _'_._!:i :_i _:_._ _!i - ffii_i_ii_ iiiii!_!!i!!!i !ii] ....... : :_.:, - : :: ....... :.qt_._:_._.:_.....!:::i::1_i;_j... .:: ,._. _ii;_i_::_ _ii:::ii ti_:ii::lii:::ii Iii i::i::::iii_!li!i!_iii iiii B::i!li_ :::ii::i _}::

: :::: [::: Z!: :'::'Z_]-_]; ::;; :::] :::: 7U'::3'_: !]:: [::: 2Z: Z!::.: at': ::::[:::: :::: :::l .:.: : .: '7' : ............. i

[i [iii i : /.diili _i'_]_i:Zi [-_i_ ii!!4_:-i:: [!i::[!::[::[_[:::iil;_::i!i_ _::::i:::i:::di:i_iiii i:_ ii! :::::[iii ii:lC_::i i:i:il:::::i}::i_][::i:i_i !ii::_.-:i:::ii_ _[_::_[}!F_::i:i_!illi::}i ii! _J i:i! ;i:!f::!ii:iii iili ::!i]:::!ii: :i_i!i iii

i: : ' ; , : : : I U ; I ; '

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::i : :::: ::: :::: :::: :::: :i!:{:::: ::::!_ /:!_: E!H ?:_[;i _:?_ !i! i i !i i;{ ;_ !;_! [_!_ ii! [_i[ [[!i ii[[ _! ) :; __._

_:: ]I...._ { _];] ;_i_ i,;-_ !!:ii'iii ]{!il_;_ ;::: i ............. ,: .................................. ! ....... 7 i i:ii ': . ... ;::m:i 5 ......... _......................................................................]V { i] I [ ![!l Ii ][ ii! I I I [ : : ]il ![ ' I l! [ . I _ _ : [:,:!ibLi;i'i }:: _.[[[....._.fu:_f_..H..: i ? : ii ! : 'i : ':? ill: ; : [[ :: [ [ [l: [ : ]: :[ , , , !

i :Ii ::i[:::::_::[[i[[[]Ji[ i i _i: [] :{: i L i[[[::i]]!{i::J iiiij}iiiibi [ ;::5: ] i [ i i i

[ i i:!: i!! i_ 'El i i iU i : :::i: [ i !i iii_ ii i i ?ii _ ,_ ;!! :::' i: i- f 'i

': , !l ilbii_ y! ::h 7; :_ :_ ih::ii_',_d::!i:7:i iii!i!::i !i:.:i:i:i i i!: iiii:i: _: _ i _ -r -3-_

: . .......... ' .................. = ...... [ : :_ ' _'l_: ii_':':: _;:;iiiil

: I __

......................... ::"' h[_ii :; :: :: ii i: : ii :: i ii :: i :: i: : iiiii?!i_+_'rL_,] i T,_2_: ]] Y_?_B_:_E:_'_!iii ii"_: LL:':h; [ iE_iii i ii ii i

FIGURE 5--4. Sample record fTom Sanborn recorder taken in the transfer van. The van was in m otion at the time this

recording was made.

28

the in sertion procedures , it is the flight surgeon's ined by an ophthalmologist, a neurologist, and at it th it d d t hi t i t Ch t X ( t t i d


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to monitor the suit purge procedure and to psychiatrist. Chest X-ray s (anteroposterior andby to assist the pressure-suit technician or the right lateral) were taken. The re sults of all of

pilot in any way he can. The final inspection of the these examinations were , in the main, negative andpilot by the flight surgeon give s some indication of have been reported in paper 3 of the present volumethe pilot's emotional state at the last possible oppor- and reference 1. Upon completion of the physicaltunity. The flight surgeon during this period is in examination, the pilots were turned over to the engi-continuous communication w'ith the blockhou_ sur- neering debriefing team.

geon and is capable of taking certain steps to analyze The original plan for the pilot's postrecoverythe cause of biosensor malfunction, should it o ccur, activities permitted him to remain at Grand BahamaNo such malfunctions o ccurred during the course of Island for 48 hours after his arrival. This periodthese two flights. After hatch installation is com- was believed to be necessary to permit full and ade-pleted, the flight surgeon is released and proceeds to quate recovery from the effects of the flight. In thethe forward medical station where he joins the point case of the MR-3 flight, it was possible for the pilotteam of the land recovery forces, to remain for 72 hours. The last day of this period

was devoted to complete rest and relaxation. TheDebriefing additional 24-hour period was occasioned by the

After a successful launch, the flight surgeon leaves scheduling of the postflight press conference andhis position on the point team and proceeds imme- public welcome in Washington, D.C. I t was qui tediately to the Mercury Control Center. Here he fol- apparent that the postflight rest period was benefi-lows the progres s of the recovery operations until cial to the pilot. There is no objective measurementit is clear ;_here his services will be needed next. In of thi s, but the day-to-day observations of the pilotthe event the pilot is injured or is ill, the flight sur- showed him to be benefited by this relative isolation.

geon is taken by air to the aircraft carrier in the In the case of the MR4 flight, the pilot seemed torecovery area. If it i s clear that the pilot is unin- be recovering rapidly from the fatiguing effects ofjured, as wa s true for MR-3 and MR4 flights, the his flight and the postflight water-survival experi-flight surgeon joins the debriefing team and i s flown ence. His fatigue was more evident when seen 12

he medical care and debriefing site at Grand hours after his arrival at Grand Bahama Island than.ma Island, British West Indies. During thi s that observed in the pilot of the MR-3 flight when

t_me, the pilot is undergoing a preliminary physical seen at the same time. On the following day, how-examination and debriefing aboard the carrier. In ever, the MR4 pilot seemed to be at about the sameboth of the flights under discussion, the debriefing level of recovery as had been observed in the MR-3team arrived at Grand Bahama Island about 30 rain- pilot. For this reason , it was decided to permit theutes before the pilot who was flown there from the pilot of the MR4 flight to return to Cocoa Beach,carrier. The debriefing site is a two-room prefabri- Fla., for a press conference at a time some 18 to 20eared building with an adjacent heliport. The heli- hours before that called for in the original plan.port is provided in the event it is more convenient, No evident permanent effects of this early returnor is necessary by virtue of his physical status, to can be described, and the pilot performed well incarry the pilot from the surfa ce vessel to the de- his public appearances; but his fatigue state wasbriefing site by heli copter, mu ch longer in dissipating as he was seen in the

hnmediately upon their arrival at Grand Bahama days subsequent to the flight. Again, this slowerIsland, the pilots were taken to the debriefing build- recovery cannot be demonstrated with obje ctiveing ;_here the flight surgeon performed a careful findings, and must be accepted only as a clinicalphysical examination. Here again, the purpose of observation of the writer.this examination was not so much to collect scientific

material as to assure that the pilot was uninjured Concluding R emark sand in good health. When this preliminary exam-ination had been completed, the pilots were exam- The flight surgeon's activities and duties in sup-ined by a surgeon. No evidence of injury was port of two manned suborbital flights have been de-found by this second examiner. Next, an internist scribed and certain observations of the flight surgeonexamined the pilots. Laboratory specimens (blood have been recorded. In summary, it is important

urine) were obtained and the pilots were exam- to point out three items.

29

11) During the 12-hottr period preceding the were occasioned by the preparation procedures at-


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launch , it is vital that the preparation of the pilot tests to the value of these repeated practice sessfollow the countdown with clocklike precision. This (2) Very early in the planning for manned.

precision becomes more urgent as the time ap- flight s, it was decided to train a backup man tor

proaches for insertion of the pilot into the space- each po sition in the medical support complex. A

craft. In order to accomplish this precision , it is backup a stronaut wa s always available; a backupnecessary to practice the preparation procedures flight surgeon was trained; and even a backup

driver for the transfer van was available. The setime and time again. Time-motion studies are nec-

essary. In the training program for the Mercury backup men not only provided substitutes of readyaccessibility , but also permitted each person involved

flights, each insertion of aa astronaut into the CCh-to get some rest on occa sion. The primary individ-

trifuge was performed just as if it were a real launch.ual was then capable of performing his task in an

At times during the checkout of the spacecraft , it alert and conscientious manner on the actual daywas necessary to insert an astronaut into the space- of the launch.

craft in an altitude chamber. Each of these events (3) In future manned flights , the planned 48-was conducted as for a htunch. Even with these hour minimum debriefing period should be ob-many opportunities to practice and perfect tech- served and even extended to include a 24-hour

niques, some changes were made after the MR-3 period of complete rest if indicated by the stres sesflight for the MR4 flight. The fact that no delay's experienced during the flight.

Refere nces1. JACKSON', C. B., DOUGLAS,_ILLIAI_I m., et al.: Results o/ Preflight and Postflight Medical Examinations . Proc. Conf.

on Results of the Firs t U.S. Manned Suborbi tal Space Flight, NASA, Nat , Inst. Health, and Nat. A cad. Sci., June 6,1961, pp. 31-36.

2. HENRY,JA-_IESP., and WHEEL;SmGHT, CHaaLES D.: Biomedical Instrumentation in .11R -3 Fli ght . Proc. Conf. on Resultsof the First U.S. Manne,l Suborbital Space Flight, NASA, Nat. Inst. Health, and Nat. Acad. S ci., June 6, 1961,pp. 37-43.

T._mLE 5-I.-- Sample Low -Residue Menu

[Third day prior to spa ce flight]

Breakfast:Orange jui ce ................................ 4 ounces Bread (white) .......................... 1 to 2 slicesCream of wheat ...................... . , cup, cooked Butter .................................... 1 teaspoonCinnamon or nutmeg ..................... Few grains Sliced pea ches (canned) ...................... l:, cup

Scrambled oose,_ .................................... 2 Coffee or tea with sugar ..................... No limitCrisp Canadian ba con ................... 2 to 3 sli ces Dinner:Toast Iwhite bread'_ .................. 1 to 2 slices Tomato juice ............................. 4 ouncesButter ..................................... 1 teaspoon Baked chicken (white meat) ................. 4 oun cesStrawberry jell)'_....................... 1 tablespoon Steamed rice .................................. 1 cupCoffee with sugar ........................... No limit Pureed ' cupeas ................................. ,2

Lunch: Melba toast .......................... 1 to 2 slicesChicken and ri ce soup......................... ,1 cup Butter .................................... 1 teaspoonHamburger pany _.................. 3 to 4 ounces Lemon sherbet . .............................. :}i cupBaked potato (without skin} ................ 1 medium Sugar cookies................................. 2 to 3Cottage cheese ................ 2 rounded tablespoons Coffee or tea with sugar ...................... No limit

30

TABLE 5-II.--A Comparison of the Medical Countdown of MR -3 and MR -4 Fli ghts


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IMR-3 flight MR -4 flight !i

Even t T-- tim e, a.m. T-- tim e, a.m.min e.s.t, min e. s.t.

(_) (_) (_) (_)waken .................................... -- 355 1:07 -- 290 1:10Breakfast ................................... --310 1:45 --275 1:30

Physical examination ........................ _ --280 2:27 245 1:55Sensor application ............................ _ --250 2:48 --215 2:15Suit doflning ................................. -- 240 3:07 205 2:55Pressure check ............................... -- 210 3:30 -- 175 3:13

Enter transportation van . ..................... --185 4:09 150 3:28Arrivalat launch pad ........................ --155 4:31 125 3:54

Briefing,_ ' ..................................... _ 155 4:31 Omitted OmittedAscend gantry ............................... ! --130 5:15 --125 3:55

Begin in sertion ............................... -- 118 5:21 -- 122 4:00Launch ..................................... i 0 9:34:13 0 7:20:36

IPlanned tim e during countdown according to the lau nch docum ent.

2 Actual time event occurred.

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6. RESULTS OF INFLIGHT PILOT PERFORMAN CE STUDIES

FOR THE MR-4 F LIGHT

By ROBERTB. VoAs, Ph.D., Head, Trainin g Office, N ASA Man ned Sp acecra/t Ce nter; JOHNJ. VANBOCKEL>Trainin g Office, NASA Manned Spacecra/t Center; RAYMONDG. ZEDEKAR, Traini ng Office, NASAMa nned Sp acecra ft Center; and PAUL W. BACKEa, McDonnell Aircraft Corp .

Intro duc tion Th e Astronaut's Flight Activities P lan

This paper presents a second report on the ability Three major differences between the MR-4 andof the pilot to operate the space vehicle and perform MR-3 flight s which are of significance to the astro-all associated space-flight functions during Mercury naut 's activities can be noted. First, spacecraft no.flights. As with the previou s paper, the analysis is 11 (MRS) differed from spacecraft no. 7 (MR-3)directed toward establishing the capability of the in that spacecraft no. 11 had available the center-man to perform in the weightless environment of line window which permits a view directly in frontspace with essentially the same proficiency which he of the spacecraft. Through thi s window , the astro-demonstrate s under the more normal terre strial con- naut i s able to see 33 in a vertical direction andditions. The results of the analysis of the MR-3 approximately 30 horizontally. With the space-

flight indicated that the pilot was able to perform craft in the orbit attitude , which i s --34 with thethe space-flight functions , not only within the toler- small end down , two-thirds of the window is filledances required for the succe ssful completion of the with the earth 's surface and the upper one-thirdmission, but within the performance levels demon- views space above the horizon. The size and loca-

'ed in fixed-base trainers on the ground under tion of this window provided an opportunity fortially optimal environmental conditions. From better examination of the earth' s surface and ho-

,,, first manned Mercury-Red stone flight , it was con- rizon than was possible through the 10-inch-diam-cluded that the performance data were e ssentially in eter porthole available to A stronaut Shepard. Thekeeping with the pre vious experience with manned second variation from the MR-3 flight wa s in the

aircraft flying zero-g trajectorie s. That is, the checkout of the various reaction-control systemspilot wa s able to operate the space vehicle and per- IRCS). During the MR-3 flight , Astronaut Shep-form other flight functions while exposed to the un- ard made use of the manual proportional and theusual environmental conditions of space, including fly-by-wire control systems, whereas during thea 5-minute period of _eightlessness , without a de- MR_I , flight, Astronaut Grissom made use of thetectable reduction in performance efficiency. As in manual proportional system and th e rate commandthe MR -3 flight, the astronaut's communications to system.the ground provide one source of data, while the The third variation between the MR-3 and MR -4telemetered records of vehicle attitude under manual flight s was a slight reduction in the number of flight

control provide a second source , and a third source i s activities following the retrofire period on the MR_the narrative description of the activities and events flight. The flight program s for Astronaut Shepardgiven by the pilot during the postflight debriefing, and Astronaut Gris som are compared in figur e 6-1.Not available for this report are the onboard pic- Each begins with essentially the same launch periodtures of the astronaut, since the film wa s lost with during which the a stronaut monitor s the sequentialthe spacecraft. This paper attempts to evaluate the events and reports the status of the onboard systemsperformance of the pilot on the MR4 mission, to approximately every 30 seconds. In both flights ,compare the observations made by A stronaut Shep- the turnaround maneuver wa s performed on the au-ard and Astronaut Grissom of the earth and sky, top;lot with the astronaut monitoring the autopilotas seen from spac_ and to compare their evaluation s action, hmnediately after the turnaround, both As-

he Mercury training devices, tronaut Shepard and Astronaut Gri ssom selected the

33

CONTROLYSTEMN O P ERAT ION


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MR-3 c.sl IAXliSAxES2 _p. I F.B.W. t A.S .C.S. I _P. INLP. M.P.A,S. C .S . - AUTOMATICT ABILIZATIONNDCONTROLYSTEM R.S.C.S. - RATESTABILIZATIONONTROLYS TEMM.P. - MANUALPR OPOR TIONAL F.B.W.- FLYBYWIRE

PR IMARYREFERE NCEYSTEM

MR-4 I INST_UMENTS I WINOOW I INSTRUMENTS JMR-3 INSTRUMENTS J PERISCOPE J INSTRUMENTS J

ATTITUDEUMMARYMR-3

ALLNORMALMANUALALTITUDEHANGESREMADEAT4 0 PERSEC

P ITCH -- O /'

-14O _34 _ _B4 '_.- _ETROFIRE

YAW _ __-20 _20.00

+

ROLL O V_ZOO ' ._ -200

2:55 3:10 _:_ 4:41 4:56 5:11 5:33 5 :40 6 :20 6:35 6 :41 7:40IN O_BIT RETRO- iN RETRO' END E B.W , TO IN SCOPE .OSg

ORBIT ON SEQ. RETRO FIRE RETRO REENTRYEENTRYETRACTSCOPE A.S. C.S.

ALTITUDEUMMARYMR-4

H/ITC H O - 14/ -%

+ RETRO - -34FIRE

_Aw _ X /2oo+ -45

ROLL _. /-? r}o

2:50 3:00 4 : 0 0 4:)0 4:45 5:10 5: 3 3 6 : 10 6 : 40IN WINDOW TO RET RO RETRO- ENDRETRO RETR OS SCOPE

RETRO REFERENCE RETRCSEQ UENCE FIRE TOA.S.C.S. JETT. RETRACT

FI(rRE 6 1..X, Ianu a l control summary for t ile i_IR3 and -MR_I. flights.

manual proportional control mode and at tempted to using the instrument reference

results of the us second manned suborbital spaceflight

Documents