NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory

The Neutral Buoyancy Lab in Houston allows astronauts to train for EVA (extra-vehicular or outside the space vehicle) activities approximating weightless conditions, and allows crews to simulate assembly and repair tasks under conditions similar to what is encountered in space. At 40 feet deep, over 200 feet long and 100 feet wide, the facility is large enough for two simultaneous simulations, with space-suited crews assisted by diver/trainers.

The communications between "topside" and those below are routed through a Clear-Com Matrix Plus digital intercom system, via interfaces and wires going down "umbilical cords" into the water. The system is also interfaced to radios for the divers. Multi-key matrix intercom stations allow the simulation control personnel to talk with individuals or groups, as needed. Additional matrix stations are located in the closed-circuit TV area, where all of the training and simulation operations are visually monitored.

The benefits to the space program are many. Assembly and repair simulations in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab were critical to the successful repair of the Hubble Space Telescope, and are being used to create procedures for the assembly of the International Space Station. Clear-Com's association with NASA operations is far reaching: Matrix Plus systems can be found in most of the NASA tracking facilities, in functions ranging from research/simulation to video production to flight control.

Equipment List:
Matrix Plus System 200
ICS-2003 Display Stations
ICS-92 Display Stations
IMF-3 Interface Frames
FOR-22 Radio Interfaces