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04 May 2003

ISS On-Orbit Status 3 May 2003

Part 3 of 3

Special attention had to be paid to the need for careful donning of
the medical belt with sensors and securing tight contact between
sensors and body.

During preparation for descent, before atmosphere reentry, the crew
should settle down comfortably in the seat, fasten the belts,
securing tight contact between body and the seat liner in he couch.

During de-orbit:

Dust particles starting to sink in the Descent Module cabin is the
first indication of atmosphere reentry and beginning of G-load
effect.  From that time on, special attention is required as the
loads increase rapidly. 

Under G-load effect during atmosphere reentry the crew can expect the
following sensations:

Sensation of G-load pressure on the body, "burden in the body",
labored breathing and speech. These are normal sensations, and the
advice is to "take them coolly".

In case of the feeling of a "lump in the throat", this is no cause
to "be nervous".  This is frequent and should not be fought.  Best is
to "try not to swallow and talk at this moment".

Crew should check vision and, if any disturbances occur, create
additional tension of abdominal pressure and leg muscles (strain
abdomen by pulling in), in addition to the anti-G "Centaur" suit .

During deployment of drogue and prime parachutes the impact
accelerations will be perceived as a "strong snatch".  No reason to
become concerned about this but one should  be prepared that during
the parachutes deployment and change of prime parachute to
symmetrical suspension swinging and spinning motion of the Descent
Module occurs, which involves vestibular (middle ear) irritations.

It is important to tighten restrain system to fasten pelvis and
pectoral arch.

Vestibular irritation can occur in the form of different referred
sensations such as vertigo, hyperhidrosis, postural illusions,
general discomfort and nausea.  To prevent vestibular irritation the
crew should "limit head movement and eyes movement", as well as fix
their sight on motionless objects.

Just before the landing (softened by six small rocket engines behind
the heat shield): Crew should be prepared for the vehicle impact with
the ground, with their bodies fixed along the surface of the seat
liner in advance.  "Special attention should be paid to arm fixation
to avoid the elbow and hand squat".

After landing:

Crew should not get up quickly from their seats to leave the Descent
Module. They are advised to stay in the couch for several minutes and
only then stand up.  In doing that, they should limit head and eyes
movement and avoid excessive motions, proceeding slowly.  They and
their body should not take up earth gravity in the upright position
too quickly.

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