The physiology of spacecraft and space suit atmosphere selection.
The majority of the environmental factors which comprise the spacecraft and space suit environments can be controlled at "Earth normal" values, at optimum values, or at other values decided upon by spacecraft designers.  Factors which are considered in arriving at control values and control ranges of these parameters include physiological, engineering, operational cost, and safety considerations.  Several of the physiological considerations, including hypoxia and hyperoxia, hypercapnia, temperature regulation, and decompression sickness are identified and their impact on spacecraft and space suit atmosphere selection are considered.  The past experience in controlling these parameters in U.S. and Soviet  spacecraft and space suits and the associated physiological responses are reviewed.  Current areas of physiological investigation relating to environmental factors in spacecraft are discussed, particularly decompression sickness which can occur as a result of change in pressure from Earth to spacecraft or spacecraft to space suit.  Physiological considerations for long-term lunar or Martian missions will have different impacts on atmosphere selection and may result in the selection of atmospheres different than those currently in use.
Waligora
J M
JM
Space Biomedical Research Institute, NASA, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas.
Horrigan
D J
DJ
Nicogossian
A
A
D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D018478:Extravehicular Activity / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005676:Gravity Suits; D006801:Humans; D010100:Oxygen / Q000633:toxicity*; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation; D014586:USSR; D014481:United States
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen