Source: NASA

09-19-2008 16:35

The RCU was a component of the total Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) space suit system, which also included the Portable Life Support System (PLSS), Oxygen Purge System (OPS), and the suit itself. The system was added to the EMU after the redesign following the Apollo 1 accident.

(Above) Apollo 13 astronaut James Lovell during EVA training. The blue arrow points to the RCU. The red arrow points to where the RCU umbilical connected to the PLSS. Detail from NASA photo AP13-KSC-70PC-12.
(Above) Apollo 13 astronaut James Lovell during EVA training.
The blue arrow points to the RCU. The red arrow points to 
where the RCU umbilical connected to the PLSS. Detail from 
NASA photo AP13-KSC-70PC-12.

Mounted on the chest of the EMU, the system provided simple controls for communications and some EMU functions, as well as warnings and indicators for EMU status. It had a secondary function as a mounting for the standard Apollo Hasselblad camera and Oxygen Purge System actuator.

The first operational EMU test. Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart on the porch of LM-3 
The first operational EMU test. Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty 
Schweickart on the porch of LM-3 "Spider". Note that this
early RCU didn't have the warning indicators, nor the Hasselblad
camera mount.Detail from NASA photo AS9-19-2994

View from left rear

Dimensions

Main controls

 

 


 

       Oxygen Quantity           Major Features                      James Lovell
      Indicator Legend                                                           during EVA training