Orbital Flight Preparations of Get Away Special Payload G-572: Design and Testing of Mechanical Systems

University of Utah

A need was identified to develop an build a completely self-contained experimental apparatus to investigate the cardiovascular response to the weightlessness of spaceflight. This experiment would fly aboard a NASA Get Away Special (G.A.S.) canister, which would require that the apparatus be fully self contained and automatic. This apparatus would need to include an artificial heart and heart driver, a compact integrated Mock Circulation System (MCS), an automated control system, a data acquisition system, and a self-contained power supply. The development of the MCS required the modification of a Penn State-type MCS to include the use of a coil spring in the compliance elements, an automatically controlled variable systemic resistance unit, and the integration of all elements of the MCS into a compact and lightweight package which could function effectively in microgravity. Testing showed that this MCS improved upon the functionality of the original Penn State design, since it incorporates automatic systemic resistance adjustment, and a reduction in fluid inertance with a corresponding improvement in pressure and flow waveforms. This MCS was successfully incorporated into an experiment package which fit into a cylinder 19 inches in diameter and 27 inches high, with a weight limit of 200 lb.