Extravehicular activity (EVA) has proved its usefulness and benefit in previous manned space-flight programs. The Space Shuttle Program has adopted EVA as a “built-in” means to support various basic mission objectives and to provide the ability to react positively to contingencies as they occur. The Orbiter has applied this EVA to backup critical systems design, primarily that associated with payload bay door operations. This paper outlines overall and Orbiter EVA capabilities and describes the EVA system.
