Low‐frequency vibration effects in the space station

In response to a Presidential directive, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will launch a space station in the early 1990's. An objective of the Station program is to make customer use of the station cost‐effective. To help meet this objective, the Space Station will be capable of permanent habitation with crew rotations of 90 days. Consequently, means of enhancing and sustaining crew productivity are receiving increased attention. Environmental factors can influence productivity either by direct effects on performance or by indirect effects which ultimately impact performance. Noise and vibration, including low‐frequency vibration, are two factors being studied. This paper will discuss potential low‐frequency vibration sources, impacts on Space Station crew performance, and possible solutions.