4.3.2 SAFER - A Case Study The Lessons Learned on a Flight Test Project

The SAFER - Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue – Flight Test Project captured the hearts and minds of the country in September when astronauts flew untethered for the first time in a decade. The SAFER, a small backpack worn by an EVA astronaut was designed and built as an in-house project by the NASA-Johnson Space Center. Following the very successful flight of SAFER a study was made to document the lessons learned from the participants. This paper focuses on the system engineering aspects of the project across its life-cycle. © 1995 The Authors.