Why is this article, about a mission six years ago, written in the future tense? User:Tom walker 12:06 GMT, 16 September 2006

glass cockpit usage? edit

did this mission use a glass cockpit?Jer10 95 02:44, 4 March 2007 (UTC)Reply

How many SAFER backpacks flew on STS-92? edit

How many jet packs flew on the mission? Here is part of NASA's description of the fourth spacewalk:

Mission Specialists Jeff Wisoff and Mike Lopez-Alegria each jetted slowly through space above Discovery's cargo bay today, demonstrating a small rescue backpack that could help a drifting astronaut regain the safety of the spacecraft.
Each astronaut performed one gentle 50-foot flight with the nitrogen powered SAFER (for Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue). Each remained attached to the shuttle with a long tether during the test, and was accompanied by the other astronaut, moving with him on the end of Discovery's robotic arm.

Were both men wearing a backpack each, or did they use one backpack and exchange it so the second man could fly it? — O'Dea 08:14, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

Typically they have two SAFER units and one or two spares, although I don't see any where it says how many were flown. Since this was a flight when they tested them for the first time then probably only had the 2 SAFRERs. As for the last question, each one would have them on. They are secured with a some sort of latch under a cover. It is hard for them to swap the unit in a spacesuit. If you watch them putting them on before an EVA now, it takes 2 people to put it on and take it off.--NavyBlue84 19:49, 3 February 2011 (UTC)Reply
I agree with your reasoning; that was my inference: that the SAFER would be too tricky to swap during a spacewalk. Nevertheless, I would like to see a definitive source about this, preferably on a NASA website that could be cited reliably, otherwise we have to admit we are merely guessing. Even the highest quality of informed speculation is only guesswork in the final analysis, and in Wikipedia it constitutes unacceptable original research. — O'Dea 03:25, 4 February 2011 (UTC)