brent@phoenix.UUCP (Brent P. Callaghan) (07/31/85)
>The current space program uses a 100% O2 atmosphere. If you lit a >flame in such an atmosphere, would all the dust and other random >particles ignite in the presence of the flame? Correction: The space shuttle uses a nitrogen/oxygen mixture at only slightly reduced pressure. The Soviets have always used nitrogen/oxygen at 15 psi. For an EVA, the shuttle pressure suits supply 100% O2 at greatly reduced pressure. Mission specialists prepare for an EVA by pre-breathing pure oxygen to purge nitrogen from their bodies. and avoid the bends. -- Made in New Zealand --> Brent Callaghan AT&T Information Systems, Lincroft, NJ {ihnp4|mtuxo|pegasus}!phoenix!brent (201) 576-3475