Volume I, Section 13
13 FACILITY MANAGEMENT
{A} For a description of the notations, see Acceleration
Regimes.
This section contains the following topics:
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Housekeeping
13.3 Inventory Control
13.4 Information Management
See the video clips
associated with this section.
13.1 INTRODUCTION
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This section provides the design considerations, requirements, and
examples for the facility management functions of housekeeping, inventory
control, and information management.
13.2
HOUSEKEEPING
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13.2.1 Introduction
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This section addresses the design considerations, design requirements,
and example design solutions for housekeeping. This includes design
for ease of cleaning, decontamination, servicing, and on-orbit repair.
Refer to the following paragraphs for other housekeeping topics:
Chapter 5, 5.1.3 - Long-Term Mission
Atmosphere Design Requirements
Chapter 10, 10.5.3.4 - Galley
and Wardroom Cleaning Design Requirements
Chapter 10, 10.10.3 - Laundry Facility
Design Requirements
Chapter 10, 10.11.3 - Trash Management
Facility Design Requirements
Chapter 10, 10.12.3 - Stowage Design
Requirements
Chapter 13, 13.4.3 - Information Management Design
Requirements
13.2.2 Housekeeping
Design Considerations
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Housekeeping is a crucial part of habitability. It plays an important
role in maintaining the crew's health and safety and, consequently,
their morale, comfort, and productivity. Manned spacecraft with missions
of long duration increase the need for housekeeping capabilities.
The principal sources of microbes, chemicals, and debris that cause
housekeeping problems are the crewmembers (finger nail clippings, hair,
dead skin, finger prints, etc.); clothing (lint); food (liquid and solid
food spills); maintenance (loose parts, filings, leaks from disconnected
valves, etc.); and payloads (animals, chemicals, effluents, etc.). Microgravity
causes this debris to migrate and lodge on all surfaces. Cracks and
crevices particularly collect debris.
Food and drink spills occur frequently. Cleanup in the Skylab was not
easy because of the grid floor as well as other hard-to-get-to spots.
The use of a wet rag became the standard procedure for cleaning up the
food spills. Food disposal areas caused odors and required frequent
cleaning with biocide wipes.
In Skylab, biocide wipes did a satisfactory job, but were tedious to
use. Crews prefer a single-step biocide that does not have to be washed
off. A handle, holder, or gloves are preferred when using biocide wipes
as the biocides stain the hands. An aerosol biocide would be useful.
Crews have requested an aromatic disinfectant. Urine spills were cleaned
up satisfactorily by biocide wipes. Removal of the urine odor is especially
important.
Soft rags are superior to tissue wipes for cleaning up large areas.
Mold and mildew flourish on surfaces that are damp, wet, poorly ventilated,
and poorly lit. Therefore, grooming, dining, and food preparation areas
should be dried and aired regularly, and should be well illuminated.
A vacuum cleaner was used effectively on the Skylab and the Shuttle.
It was used to remove dust, lint, liquids, and debris from surfaces
and air filters. It provided for easy removal and disposal of the debris.
A vacuum cleaner was used in the Skylab for removing water from the
shower walls. Crewmembers have criticized the noise level, the limited
suction, and the available attachments. The vacuum cleaning system should
be very easy to use. The equipment should be easy to maintain and repair.
Disposable vacuum cleaner bags should be easily replaced.
Air revitalization system and air-cooled equipment filters collect
various types of debris including tape, lint, hair, small parts, tissues,
nail clippings, and food crumbs. The filters require convenient access
for them to be cleaned with the vacuum cleaner and for retrieval of
small lost items. Vacuum cleaner attachments should be designed to be
compatible with the various filter configurations
The greatest practical precautions should be taken to ensure freedom
from debris and surface contamination during the manufacturing through
launch sequence.
13.2.3 Housekeeping
Design Requirements
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13.2.3.1 General
Housekeeping Design Requirements
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All systems shall be designed to minimize the need for housekeeping.
The following general requirements shall be observed:
a. Contamination Control During Ground Handling - The greatest practicable
precautions shall be taken to ensure freedom from debris and surface
contamination within the space module and individual systems and components
during the ground operations from manufacture to launch.
b. Surface Materials - Materials used for exposed interior surfaces
shall be selected to minimize particulate and microbial contamination
and be easy to clean (i.e., shall be smooth, solid, nonporous).
c. Grids and Uneven Surfaces - Grids and uneven surfaces shall either
not be used or they shall be easy to remove and easy to clean.
d. Cracks and Crevices - All interior structural surfaces and equipment
shall be free of narrow openings and crevices that can collect liquid
or particulate matter or that require a special tool for cleaning.
e. Closures - Closures shall be provided for any area that cannot be
easily cleaned.
(Refer to Paragraph 11.4,
Closures, for specific design considerations and requirements.)
f. Fluid and Debris Collection/Containment - Means shall be provided
for collecting and/or containing any loose fluids or debris that may
result from operational use, component replacement, maintenance, service
or repair.
g. Built-in Control - Any subsystem which routinely utilizes containers
of liquids or particulate matter shall have built-in equipment/methods
for capture or prevention of vaporization into the atmosphere, prevention
of material overflow from use, and methods of decontamination of spills.
1. The capture elements shall be easily accessed for replacement or
cleaning without risk of dispersion of the trapped materials.
2. Grid, screen, or filter surfaces shall be directly accessible for
cleaning
(Refer to Paragraph 13.2.3.4 Air Filter Design
Requirements, for filter requirements.)
h. Transfer Containers - Transfer containers, if required, shall be
so constructed as to prevent contamination during transfer and disposal.
13.2.3.2 Surface
Cleaning Design Requirements
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The following surface cleaning provisions are required:
a. Microbiological Analyses/Biocide Selection - A means shall be provided
for the collection and identification of microbial samples from all
types of surfaces and for the selection and application of an appropriate
biocide.
b. Cleaning Chemicals - Cleaning chemicals shall meet the following
requirements:
1. Shall be low sudsing.
2. Shall be safe for use in an enclosed environment.
3. Shall be compatible with onboard water reclamation and/or waste
disposal systems.
4. Shall not stain or discolor the surface being cleaned.
5. Shall be in an easy-to-use, controllable content container.
6. Shall not produce a foul, unpleasant, lingering odor.
c. Illumination - Adequate illumination for visual inspection and cleaning
of both internal and external housekeeping features.
(Refer to Paragraph 8.13.3, Lighting
Design Requirements, for specific illumination requirements.)
d. Wipes - The following types of wipes for use in general housekeeping
and personal hygiene shall be provided:
1. Dry wipes - Utility tissue used as toilet tissue and for compartment
and equipment cleaning.
2. Wet wipes - Saturated tissues to be used for personal cleansing.
3. Biocide wipes - Biocide-saturated pads used for disinfecting food
spills, waste management systems, etc.
4. Reusable wipes - Utility handwipes that can be impregnated or dampened
with premixed evaporative detergent/biocidal solutions or with water.
5. Detergent wipes - Detergent saturated tissues for interior cleaning
tasks, food spills, etc.
6. Utensil Cleansing Wipes - Cleaning agent and sanitizers impregnated
into tissues for post-meal utensil cleansing and sanitizing.
e. Cleaning Implements - Provide means for dislodging and collecting
dirt and debris from surfaces, cracks, and crevices.
f. One-Handed Operation - Cleaning equipment and supplies shall be
designed for one-handed operation or use.
g. Housekeeping Cleansing Agents - A non-biocidal cleansing agent or
agents, shall be provided for general purpose surface cleansing in which
specific biological control is not required. A biocidal cleansing agent
or agents shall be provided for clean-up of biological spills and biologically
contaminated surfaces.
h. Biofilm Control - Means shall be provided to control the formation
and growth of biofilm on the inside surfaces of all fluid lines and
pipes so as not to degrade the mission.
13.2.3.3 Vacuum
Cleaning Design Requirements
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An onboard vacuum cleaner shall be provided. It shall meet the following
requirements:
a. Suction - The system shall provide adequate suction capability for
the collection and retention of both wet and dry particulate matter
and of liquids.
b. Noise Level - The system shall have noise levels compatible with
Paragraph 5.4.3.2.
(Refer to Paragraph 5.4.3.2, Noise
Exposure Requirements, for noise exposure design requirements.)
c. Attachments - The system shall provide an assortment of attachments
which conform to the various surfaces that need to be cleaned (e.g.,
flat surfaces, filters, cracks, crevices, corners, etc.)
d. Disposable Bags - The system shall provide disposable bags:
1. Suitable for containing both dry and liquid wastes.
2. Compatible for compaction in a trash compactor.
3. Designed for long life, i.e., minimize frequency of replacement.
e. Lighting - Sufficient lighting shall be provided to illuminate the
area to be cleaned.
f. Nonpropulsive - Propulsive characteristics and self-generated torques
of the system shall be compensated for in the design.
13.2.3.4 Air Filter
Design Requirements
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Filters used in the air revitalization system and air- cooled equipment
collect airborne debris and, therefore, become an indirect but important
element of the housekeeping system. Equipment filters shall be designed
to provide the following housekeeping features:
a. Access - Air filters (grids, screens, filter surfaces) shall be
readily accessible for cleaning and replacement without disturbance
of collected material.
b. Configuration - Nondisposable air filters shall be configured to
allow them to be cleaned by a vacuum cleaner attachment.
(Refer to Paragraph 13.2.3.1, General Housekeeping
Design Requirements, item g, for other filter design requirements.)
c. Filter Condition - The design of the air filter shall incorporate
the means to inform the crew of the overall condition of the filter
(e.g., visual feedback, AP sensor).
13.2.4 Example Housekeeping
Design Solutions
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The following are examples of housekeeping items that have been used
on the Shuttle orbiter (refer to Paragraph 13.2.2
for a discussion of the positive and negative features of these items):
a. Cleanser - A liquid biocidal detergent formulation in a squeeze-bottle-type
container, with a built-in bladder, dispensing valve, and nozzle. The
cleanser is sprayed on the surface that is to be cleaned and is then
wiped clean with dry wipes. This cleanser is used to clean the urinal
and toilet seat, walls, and floor.
b. Dry Wipes - Dry wipes are packaged in dispensers and are used for
all general purpose cleaning jobs.
c. Wet Wipes - Wet wipes have been extensively used for general purpose
cleaning. They have also been used for personal hygiene (hand cleaning,
bathing, etc.)
d. Disposable Gloves - Plastic disposable gloves are provided for use
when a crewmember is using the biocidal cleanser, which would otherwise
stain their hands.
e. Vacuum Cleaner - A portable vacuum cleaner that can be hand carried
is provided for general housekeeping and for cleaning air filters.
13.3
INVENTORY CONTROL
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13.3.1 Introduction
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This section provides the considerations and requirements for onboard
inventory control systems design.
The inventory control function is one of the primary elements of onboard
information management (refer to
Paragraph 13.4, Information Management). Inventory control is directly
related to the stowage design considerations and requirements addressed
in Paragraph 10.12
(Stowage). Also, refer to the labeling and coding requirements given
in Paragraph 9.5 (Labeling
and Coding).
13.3.2 Inventory Control
Design Considerations
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One of the most difficult areas of flight data management for manned
spaceflights has been the creation and maintenance of the on-board inventory
management system that keeps track of inventory such as crew equipment,
consumables, food, experimental materials, etc., and where these items
are located. Of necessity, the stowage list and the launch, on-orbit,
and return stowage locations constantly change. This requires frequent,
late, and significant revisions to stowage documentation, which is the
crew's overall reference on loose item location, quantity, and transfers.
Every change to the inventory and stowage location impacts other documentation.
For example, checklists that contain reference to stowage data must
be updated if the location of an item is changed.
Several instances arose in Skylab where an item became lost and the
ground had to institute a search through transcripts and by questioning
the crew about last usage or sighting.
A significant problem associated with inventory control which was experienced
in the Skylab was the nomenclature used in referring to the various
hardware, consumables, stowage locations, etc. Many names existed for
a single item. This lack of standardization resulted in confusion, ambiguity,
and lost time when communicating among various users.
Crewmember time is a most costly resource, so it is necessary to minimize
the time required for the overhead involved in the inventory control
function. A reliable, easy-to-use inventory control system will, therefore,
be a cost effective investment. Advances in the state-of-the-art of
onboard computers, data storage devices, software, bar coding systems,
and communications data links make a computerized inventory control
data management system feasible and desirable.
The inventory control system must be capable of providing both on-line
and hardcopy reports. On-line reports are used for a) display of information
in connection with making updates to the database and b) real-time display
of information for crew activity planning and flight control activities.
Hardcopy reports are used for a) a hand-carried reference when verifying
stowage locations, quantities, etc., and b) for a markup media for planning.
The inventory control database should include, as a minimum, the following
data elements:
a. Item Number - The basic control number by which each item is identified
in the database.
b. Item Name - The standard name used to describe the item.
c. Item Functional Designation - An easy-to-learn code that indicates
the functional usage of the item.
d. Unit Weight - The weight in kilograms (pounds) of one unit of the
item.
e. Unit Volume - The volume in cubic centimeters (cubic inches) of
the envelope space required to stow a unit item.
f. Length - The length in centimeters (inches) of the envelope space
necessary to contain the item.
g. Width - The width in centimeters (inches) of the envelope space
necessary to contain the item.
h. Height - The height in centimeters (inches) of the envelope space
necessary to contain the item.
i. Stowage Location - The stowage location code of the stowed item
during each mission phase (e.g., launch, on- orbit, return).
j. Quantity Stowed in Each Location - The quantity of items stowed
in each stowage location during each mission phase.
k. Total Quantity - The total quantity of each item during each mission
phase.
l. From Location - The stowage location code from which stowed items
are transferred during in-flight phases of the mission.
m. To Location - The stowage location code to which stowed items are
transferred during in-flight phases of the mission.
n. Quantity Transferred - The quantity of items transferred (or scheduled
to be transferred) from one location to another during in-flight phases
of the mission.
o. Performance History - A provision for recording crew comments pertinent
to the condition and performance of the item during the in-flight phases
of the mission.
p. Stowage Location Maps - Stowage location illustrations are required
to the extent that the difficulty in locating or transferring an item
necessitates additional data to support the crew procedures.
q. Life Remaining - The shelf life remaining for consumables and the
operating life remaining for operating hardware.
r. Limit Quantity - The quantity of items/consumables below which mission
operations may be constrained.
s. Crew Identification - Indicate the name of the crewmember on personal
items.
It is also necessary to distinguish the differences between the kinds
of inventory control information required by the ground operations versus
that of the onboard crew. Some of the onboard inventory control data
should be capable of being communicated to the ground without onboard
crew involvement.
13.3.3 Inventory Control
Design Requirements
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This section provides the man-system interface design requirements
for computerized data management for onboard inventory control. General,
database, and report requirements are given.
13.3.3.1 General
Inventory Control Design Requirements
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A computerized data management system for the onboard inventory system
is required. This system shall provide the following capabilities:
a. Ground Compatibility - the onboard and ground inventory data formats
shall be identical.
b. Telemetry - The inventory management system shall interface with
the telemetry system for real-time uplink and downlink.
c. Automatic Updating - The system shall provide the capability to
automatically revise the inventory control database and other data references
affected by stowage/inventory changes.
d. Standard Procedures - The system shall provide a user/computer procedural
interface that is standardized with other data management functions.
(Refer to the Paragraph 9.6.3, User/Computer
Interaction Design Requirements, for specific design requirements for
the user/computer interface.)
e. Standard Nomenclature - The nomenclature used to refer to the items
tracked by the inventory management system shall be identical to, and
standardized with, that used on design drawings, training hardware,
checklists, and procedures, labels, etc.
f. Cross Indexing - The information in the database shall be indexed
with many cross reference categories to facilitate ease of data retrieval.
g. Minimize Inventory Control Crew Time - The inventory control system
shall be designed to minimize the amount of crew time required for the
inventory control functions. A design goal shall be that the inventory
control function shall require no direct crew input, but rather shall
automatically track items and update the database.
13.3.3.2 Inventory
Control Reports Requirements
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The inventory management system shall be capable of providing both
on-line and hardcopy reports. At a minimum, the following types of reports
shall be provided:
a. Item Status - Display the location(s) for an item that is selected
by item number or item name. This report shall include the quantity
of the item at each location.
b. Transfer Status - For an item selected by name or by number or for
all items, provide a report that displays the From Location, the To
Location, and the quantity to be transferred.
c. Location Status - Display items (by item number and item name) stowed
in a specified stowage location. Quantity of each item in the specified
location shall also be provided.
d. Limit Warning Report - Provide an alert message that indicates when
quantities of consumables, or items, fall below a predetermined safe
limit.
13.4
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
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13.4.1 Introduction
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This section provides the design considerations, requirements, and
examples for onboard information management. Information management
refers to the storage, transmission, manipulation, and display of information.
An information management system therefore includes all hardware and
software to support these functions.
13.4.2 Information Management
Design Considerations
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Modern manned spacecraft presently use a combination of hardcopy documentation
and electronic media for providing the onboard crew with the information
they require for planning, operations, and maintenance activities.
Accessing data from either computer data records or from hardcopy documents
is a significant time-consuming, and therefore costly, problem for the
crew. Computer relational databases, video disks, and artificial intelligence
systems should be considered for storing, retrieving and interpreting
the large amounts of data.
Flight information that should be maintained in the onboard computers
includes resource allocation status (e.g., power, thermal); subsystem
performance trend data, maintenance data (e.g., schematics, procedures,
reference data); medical imagery (e.g., X-rays); crewmember medical
data, payload data, and inventory control records.
(Refer to Paragraph 13.3, Inventory
Control, for design considerations and requirements.)
Some documents, maps, checklist cards, etc. are hardcopy items that
may still be required even though electronic information management
systems are used. The use of these hardcopy items creates a need for
writing surfaces and stowage for the document's associated office supplies.
Typical office supplies include notebooks, pens, pencils, page clips,
tape, and rubber bands. The pens and pencils have Velcro patches attached
to them so that they can be restrained on the writing surface or other
adjacent surface. In microgravity, document pages will not lay down,
so clips are used to keep the document opened to a selected page. Documents
are restrained to surfaces using elastic bungee cords or other restraint
devices such as Velcro patches attached to the backs of the page clips
that interface with Velcro patches located on vehicle surfaces.
A design goal should be to eliminate as much hardcopy data, management
material, and associated office supplies as possible.
13.4.3 Information
Management Design Requirements
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13.4.3.1 General
Information Management Design Requirements
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The following general requirements apply to both hardcopy or electronic
information management systems:
a. Minimum Onboard Information - At a minimum the following information
shall be accessible onboard:
1. System Maintenance and Troubleshooting Procedures
2. Trend data Acquisition and Analysis
3. Consumable Status
4. Payload Data Collection
5. Experiment Procedures
6. Repair and Replacement Information
7. Medical History
8. Inventory Control Data.
(Refer to Paragraph 13.3.3, Inventory Control
Design Requirements.)
b. Information Management Facilities - Information management facilities
shall be provided in the spacecraft for stowing, receiving, displaying,
processing, and updating mission data.
c. Information Display Orientation - The information display provisions
shall allow orientation of the data to the optimum position for use
while performing the mission tasks that use the information.
d. Hands Free Use of Information - The information display provisions
shall leave the crewmember's hands free once the data has been positioned.
e. Data File Organization - Means shall be provided to stow mission
data in organized, segmented data files in which individual data records
can be readily obtained.
f. Flight Data Hardcopy - As a minimum, hardcopy file data shall be
maintained on board for all procedures for emergency operations of the
spacecraft, continued crew safety, rescue, or escape.
13.4.3.2 Hardcopy
Information Management Design Requirements
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The following requirements pertain to hardcopy information media and
associated hardcopy equipment and supplies:
a. Restraints :
1 . Equipment restraints - Means shall be provided for restraining
documents, loose sheets of paper, writing implements, and supplies required
for documentation update (tape, scissors, etc.) at each information
management workstation.
(Refer to Paragraph 11.7.3.3,
Equipment Restraints Design Requirements, for specific requirements.)
2. Personnel restraints - Means shall be provided to restrain the crewmembers
at the various workstations in a manner that leaves both hands free
for documentation update and recording.
(Refer to Paragraph 9.2.4.2.3,
Workstation Restraints and Mobility Aids Design Requirements, for specific
requirements.)
3. Document restraints - Means shall be provided to hold documents
open to specific pages.
b. Writing/Working Surface - Fixed and portable writing/working surfaces
shall be provided.
c. Writing Instruments and Supplies - Writing instruments and supplies
required for documentation update (e.g., scissors and tape) shall be
provided.
d. Stowage of Writing Instruments, Supplies, and Documents - Consolidated
stowage shall be provided for writing instruments, supplies, and documents
in locations that are accessible to a restrained crewmember.
(Refer to Paragraph 10.12.3, Stowage
Facility Design Requirements, for specific requirements.)
e. Illumination - Adequate illumination shall be provided for each
workstation where hand documentation normally will be prepared.
(Refer to Paragraph 8.13.3, Lighting
Design Requirements.)
f. Onboard Printer/Copier - Capability for onboard preparation and
duplication of hardcopy documentation shall be provided.
13.4.3.3 Electronic Information Management Design Requirements
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Information located in electronic data storage shall be accessible
using multiple access categories (e.g. multiple keywords).
(Refer to Paragraph 9.6.3.1.2,
User/Computer Interaction Design Requirements, for specific electronic
information interface design considerations and requirements.)
13.4.4 Example Information Management Design Solutions
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The Shuttle Orbiter's Flight Data File (FDF) is the total onboard complement
of flight operations documentation readily available to crewmembers.
It is composed of, but not limited to, the items shown in
Figure 13.4.4-1. The FDF is stowed in both fixed and portable containers
and in cloth bags in such a manner as to be readily available to the
crew on the flight deck and middeck and during airlock/cargo bay EVA
and flight operations.
Figure
13.4.4-1 Flight Data File (FDF) Items (Typical)
Reference: 150, Figure
3.2-1, p. 3.2-2; NASA-STD-3000 36
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