Airlock

Deutsch: Schleuse / Español: Esclusa de aire / Português: Eclusa de ar / Français: Sas / Italiano: Camera di equilibrio

An airlock is a specialized chamber that allows astronauts to transition between environments of different pressures, typically between the pressurized interior of a spacecraft or space station and the vacuum of space. It serves as a critical safety feature for conducting extravehicular activities (EVAs) and for the docking of spacecraft.

Description

An airlock consists of two main doors and a sealed chamber. One door leads to the spacecraft's interior, and the other opens to outer space or another spacecraft. Before opening the outer door, the airlock's pressure is equalized with the external environment to prevent sudden decompression or overpressurization, which could endanger the crew and damage the spacecraft.

The use of airlocks is essential in maintaining the life-supporting atmosphere within a spacecraft while allowing for direct exposure to space when needed. This includes facilitating spacewalks, transferring cargo, or docking with other spacecraft without exposing the main cabin to the harsh conditions of space.

Application Areas

Airlocks are vital components in several key areas within the space industry:

1. Human Spaceflight: Space stations like the International Space Station (ISS) and spacecraft designed for crewed missions utilize airlocks to support EVAs and manage the integration of modules or docking of visiting spacecraft.
2. Robotic Missions: Some missions may use airlocks to deploy satellites or scientific instruments, such as those deployed from the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle or from within satellite deployers on the ISS.
3. Planetary Habitats: Future lunar bases or Mars habitats will likely incorporate airlocks to manage transitions between the habitat interiors and the external planetary environment, crucial for conducting scientific research and exploration.

Well-Known Examples

• The International Space Station (ISS) features several airlocks for both crewed and robotic EVAs. The Quest airlock, for instance, is used primarily for U.S. spacewalks.
• The Space Shuttle used an airlock within its cargo bay for EVAs when docked to the ISS or when satellites or other payloads needed to be deployed or retrieved in space.
• Future spacecraft and habitats, such as those planned for NASA's Artemis program, will use airlocks to support lunar exploration and potentially prepare for human missions to Mars.

Treatment and Risks

The design and operation of airlocks in spacecraft and habitats involve addressing several risks:

• Pressure Differential Management: It is crucial to precisely control the pressure adjustments to avoid decompression sickness (the bends) in astronauts or structural stresses in the spacecraft.
• Seal Integrity: Airlocks must maintain perfect seals to prevent air leakage, which could lead to catastrophic loss of atmosphere and endanger the crew.
• Operational Procedures: The processes involving the pressurization and depressurization of airlocks require strict protocols to ensure safety, including emergency procedures in case of airlock failure.

Weblinks

• industrie-lexikon.de: 'Schleuse' in the industrie-lexikon.de (German)

Summary

In the space industry, airlocks are essential systems that manage the interface between the controlled environments of spacecraft or habitats and the vacuum of space or atmospheres of other celestial bodies. They are critical for maintaining the safety and integrity of habitats and spacecraft, enabling both routine operations and emergency responses during space missions.

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