Launch, Entry & Abort, Intra-Vehicular Spacesuits
Discipline: Environmental Control/Life Support
Kenneth Thomas, senior spacesuit expert, presented information about Launch, Entry & Abort (LEA) spacesuits–part of an overall vehicle crew escape and survival system. These LEA spacesuits are worn during the launch and reentry to enhance crew survival. The U.S. has traditionally called these spacesuits Intravehicular Activity (IVA) spacesuits. The Russians refer to this type of spacesuit as “Rescue Suits.” Thomas discussed the success of the LEA suits and the consequences of eliminating their use or providing inadequate systems.
