ralfmaximus: humanoidhistory: December 23, 1973 – Skylab 4 astronaut Gerald Carr flies the Ast
ralfmaximus: humanoidhistory: December 23, 1973 – Skylab 4 astronaut Gerald Carr flies the Astronaut Maneuvering Equipment Equipment M509 Experiment in the forward compartment of the Orbital Workshop of the Skylab space station: “The M509 experiment consists of two jet-powered astronaut-maneuvering units, a back-mounted, hand-controlled unit called the automatically stabilized maneuvering unit (ASMU), and a hand-held maneuvering unit (HHMU). Carr is holding the HHMU in his right hand. The M509 objectives are to: demonstrate AMU flying qualities and piloting capability; test and evaluate system response; and relate the data and experience gained to ground-based analysis, future AMU design requirements and projected extravehicular activity. The OWS forward compartment in which the M509 exercise was held is about 22 feet in diameter and 19 feet from top to bottom. The hatchway leading to the Airlock Module is partially visible behind Carr.” (NASA) When centered, he only had 11 feet to maneuver in one direction (”horizontal”) and 9.5 feet in the other (”vertical”).This is a little like test-driving a hovercraft in your living room. -- source link