A course offered by White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) prepares attendees to deal with normal propellant operations, emergency events, & pre-operation planning by engaging in hands-on Totally Encapsulating Suit (TES) training. WSTF TES Boot Camp is a week-long training that culminates with an actual propellant release scenario so that TES personnel can witness and learn how to react to live uncontrolled propellants as well as gain an understanding and appreciation for the rigor needed in propellant system design and operation. Those who benefit from this course include engineers, technicians, plant managers, and operators involved in propellant system design, buildup, operation, and maintenance. It would also be appropriate for safety and health professionals involved in monitoring and evaluating the operation of hypergol propellant systems.
The course was offered in September 2013 at WSTF and received positive feedback from the students who attended. One of the students surveyed stated,
“Seemed like there were years of experience behind all the instruction. The relaxed and flexible attitude of the instructors helped us to feel much more comfortable with the operations. The flexibility allowed us to tailor some of the exercises to what we will need. Having the actual release of oxidizer and the cleanup was fantastic! Also really liked the disassembly and reassembly.”
At the conclusion of the Boot Camp, students will have gained skills in identifying and evaluating typical hazards of propellant systems and operations and learned how to respond to emergency
situations involving hypergols. They also will have an understanding of safe practices in design, materials selection, and operation of hypergol systems. Working together on simulated release scenarios during the course allows team building and refines communication skills.
Another student remarked,
“It was a lot of hours in the suits, but all the extra time really helped – we felt more comfortable working together in ops as the week progressed. Again, not just the ops, but working together, communications also improved. It was also nice to know we can handle “surprises.” Thanks, great course!”
More information about the TES Boot Camp can be located here: TES Training
Anyone interested in upcoming courses, or to schedule a course, should contact Bruce Havenor at
575-524-5177, bruce.r.havenor@nasa.gov, or Miguel Maes at 575-524-5677, miguel.j.maes@nasa.gov.