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Human-Rated Altitude Chamber Complex (ACC)

The ACC consists of eight experimental chambers designed to simulate characteristics of the space environment.

Active Mission

The chambers have been used to simulate long-duration space flight, including a 56-day Skylab mission simulation and a 91-day Lunar Mars Life Support Test Project. During these simulations, investigators make every effort to limit supply replenishment and face-to-face contact with the crew, and the on-board team is responsible to attend to all interior upkeep and repairs.

Mission Type

Analog Mission

location

Johnson Space Center

Mission Overview

  • Hazards Tested: Environmental hazards and isolation
  • Research: Although the chambers were initially designed to test life support systems and other gear, they are also used to simulate confinement and other unique challenges associated with long-duration space flight. Two of the chambers are used primarily for human testing and can be modified to simulate different atmospheric pressure, lighting, and other conditions. ACC studies focus on life support systems, long-duration spaceflight, and the physiological and psychological impacts of confinement.
  • Learn More: http://ctsd.jsc.nasa.gov/ec4/facilities/human.html

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Human-Related Altitude Chamber Complex

Located at the Johnson Space Center, the Altitude Chamber Complex consists of eight experimental chambers designed to simulate characteristics of the space environment. Although the chambers were initially designed to test life support systems and other gear, they are also used to simulate confinement and other unique challenges associated with long-duration space flight.

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Six test subjects wearing respiratory masks in altitude chamber
NASA's hypobaric chamber
The altitude chamber is also called the hypobaric chamber. To induce symptoms of hypoxia (low oxygen), the atmospheric pressure inside the chamber is lowered to simulate altitudes higher than 10,000 feet, above which humans need supplemental oxygen.
NASA / Heather R. Smith/NASA Educational Technology Services

What Are Analog Missions?

Analog missions prepare us for near-term and future exploration to asteroids, Mars, and the Moon. Analogs play a significant role in problem solving for spaceflight research.

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