Science & Tech · Space · 6 hrs ago
SEA STAR crew simulates spacewalks underwater in Florida
A SEA STAR crew simulated spacewalks underwater as part of a mission led by an experienced analog-mission commander.
The crew lived in the Jules’ Undersea Lab in Florida, 22 feet below the surface.
The outings were called extra-vehicular activities, or EVAs, and involved exploring underwater environments in scuba gear used as a stand-in for spacesuits.
In many analog missions on land, crew members can open their helmets and breathe outside air, but underwater crew members have no quick way out.
Aquanauts can remain underwater for at least 24 hours in a state called saturation, while leaks, pressure-related health problems and equipment failures can pose serious risks.
Strict preparation and procedures help manage those dangers, which have parallels with the risks astronauts face during spacewalks.
The SEA STAR crew conducted simulated spacewalks underwater in Florida.
Commander Michaela Musilova led the simulated space mission, using scuba gear as a stand-in for spacesuits.
The crew lived in the Jules’ Undersea Lab, 22 feet (7 meters) underwater.
The underwater excursions involved risks such as equipment failure, water leaks and decompression sickness.
Musilova said the serious risks made her extra careful when preparing for the simulated spacewalks.
- Who
- Commander Michaela Musilova and the SEA STAR crew.
- What
- They conducted simulated spacewalks, also called EVAs, underwater using scuba gear.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- At the Jules’ Undersea Lab in Florida, 22 feet (7 meters) underwater.
- Why
- The mission simulated space activities and allowed the crew to explore underwater environments.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Musilova had commanded nearly 40 analog missions simulating crewed missions to the moon and Mars.
The crew lived in the Jules’ Undersea Lab, 22 feet (7 meters) underwater.
The crew conducted simulated spacewalks underwater.
- Mission
- SEA STAR
- Commander
- Michaela Musilova
- Habitat
- Jules’ Undersea Lab
- Depth
- 22 feet (7 meters)
- Crew underwater period
- At least 24 hours for aquanauts to reach saturation
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