Orbital Training

  • Program Flow

From Launch Readiness to Orbital Operations

Our Orbital Training Program is scheduled to begin in 2020 and consists of eight weeks of rigorous training for the orbital space environment. The program expands to twelve weeks with EVA training. Participants gain confidence through scenarios including spatial disorientation, emergency depressurization, vehicle malfunctions, contingency operations, and extended-duration spaceflight readiness.

01/ Orbital Readiness

Build situational awareness for living and operating in space during extended orbital flight.

02/ Launch Vehicle Operations

Train on ingress, egress, launch procedures, life support, safety, emergency procedures, and vehicle systems.

03/ IVA Operations

Advance into orbital vehicle operations, life support, living systems, docking systems, simulations, and crew operations.

04/ EVA Expansion

When required, expand to EVA preparation, pressure suit operations, airlock systems, tools, procedures, and EVA simulation.

  • Full Curriculum

Level 3 Program Details

Orbital Training is a tailored program designed to train Spaceflight Participants (SFP) on launch and orbital vehicle operations, intra-vehicular activity (IVA) during a stay on an orbital vehicle of 10 days or more, and extra-vehicular activity (EVA) if required. An SFP applicant enrolling in Orbital Training must have completed the Level 1 Spaceflight Fundamentals program. Additionally, SFPs are trained in accordance with Waypoint 2 Space FAA Safety Approval standards.

Orbital training contains three sub-programs: Orbital Launch Vehicle Operations, IVA Operations, and EVA Operations.

Program Format

Duration: 8 Weeks
With EVA Training: 12 Weeks
Program: Level 3 – Orbital Training
Prerequisite: Level 1 – Spaceflight Fundamentals
Focus: orbital operations, vehicle systems, extended-duration spaceflight, IVA, EVA readiness, crew performance, and competency assessment.

Upon Completion, the SFP Should
  • Be competent in orbital operations, vehicle systems, environments, and physiological effects associated with extended-duration spaceflight.
  • Acknowledge and self-correct physiological issues associated with spaceflight.
  • Operate in confined spaces during extended spaceflight durations.
  • Be competent in operations requiring use of a partial pressure suit.
  • Adapt to and operate in microgravity for extended durations.
  • Be competent in nominal and off-nominal vehicle conditions during extended orbital flight.
  • Demonstrate ability to work within a crew environment under stressful situations.
Sub-Program 01 / Orbital Launch Vehicle Operations

During Launch Vehicle Operations, the SFP develops working knowledge of nominal and emergency ingress and egress, nominal launch and flight procedures, life support operations, emergency procedures, spaceflight safety, and risks associated with orbital flight. Training tasks move the SFP from basic understanding to competent skill level through repetition.

01/ PHY 300

Spaceflight Physiology 1: Review

Reviews physiological effects occurring during aircraft and spacecraft flight, including mitigation and self-correction techniques.

  • Human anatomy specific to aircraft and orbital flight.
  • Basic gas laws and physiological divisions of the atmosphere.
  • Altitude physiology and mitigation measures.
  • Accelerated G-forces, self-imposed stress, motion sickness, and mitigation.
  • Environmental stressors, incapacitation, and health maintenance prior to spaceflight.
02/ ENV 300

Orbital Spaceflight Environment 1

Reviews spaceflight dynamics to prepare the SFP for orbital flight.

  • Earth’s atmospheric structure and radiation principles in Low Earth Orbit.
  • Orbital mechanics related to orbital flight dynamics.
  • Vehicle life support, communications, propulsion, and attitude control.
  • Mission architecture and Mission Control roles and responsibilities.
03/ ENV 302

Orbital Transitions and Close Vehicle Proximity Operations

Introduces requirements for orbital plane changes and vehicle rendezvous.

  • Orbital mechanics, Keplerian elements, altitude, and inclination changes.
  • Mathematical derivation of velocity changes for transfers and orbital planes.
  • Vehicle rendezvous, approach methods, docking, and close proximity operations.
  • Orbit phasing, true anomaly, velocity matching, station-keeping, and docking.
04/ CRM 300

Crew Resource Management Review

Refreshes human factors issues present during flight and tools for working in a crew environment.

  • Interpersonal communication.
  • Conflict and stress management.
  • Situational awareness, decision making, and professionalism.
05/ PPS 300

Pressure Suit Review

Reviews pressure suit fit, form, function, fitting, and operation of the pressure suit used by the operator during orbital flight.

  • Pressure suit hardware nomenclature at top assembly level.
  • Ancillary comfort items.
  • Donning, doffing, suit operations, and safety precautions.
  • Suit sizing and mobility evaluation.
06/ SSR 300

Spaceflight Safety and Risk Briefing

Briefs the SFP in accordance with FAA requirements on physical risks, hazards, and the safety record of the launch vehicle type.

  • Number of people who have flown orbital and died during orbital flight.
  • Launch and re-entry history with catastrophic failures.
  • Operator safety record, incidents, mishaps, corrective actions, and rights afforded to the SFP before flight.
07/ GT 300

Launch Vehicle Operations 1: Nominal Procedures Training

Introduces nominal procedures used during orbital launch vehicle operations with a fidelity-correct mock-up.

  • Flight hardware and SFP seating.
  • Vehicle ingress and egress procedures.
  • SFP restraint system operation.
  • Life support systems, nominal launch, orbital insertion procedures, and microgravity translation points.
08/ GT 301

Launch Vehicle Operations 2: Emergency Procedures Training and Simulation

Trains emergency procedures in accordance with FAA requirements.

  • General and operator emergency procedures.
  • Cabin fire, cabin smoke, loss of cabin pressure, and emergency ground egress.
  • Emergency egress procedures, life support, survival equipment, and simulated drills.
09/ GT 302

Launch Vehicle Systems 3: Docking Systems

Trains the SFP on orbital launch vehicle docking systems, equipment, pre-docking, and post-departure procedures where docking operations are planned.

  • Docking hardware, system components, controls, and equipment.
  • Pre-docking and post-departure SFP roles.
  • Docking system operation in accordance with operator procedures.
10/ GT 303

Launch Vehicle Systems 4: Galley, Health and Hygiene Systems

Trains the SFP on orbital vehicle galley, health, and hygiene systems using fidelity-correct mock-ups.

  • Galley, health, hygiene components, controls, and equipment.
  • Operation of systems and equipment in accordance with operator procedures.
  • Continued practical training toward mastery.
11/ GT 304

Launch Vehicle Systems 5: Launch System Architecture

Introduces the SFP to an operator’s orbital launch vehicle mission support structure, including Mission Control and launch site operations.

12/ GT 305

Launch Vehicle Systems 6: Payload and Specialized Systems

Introduces unique payloads or systems installed on the operator’s orbital vehicle using fidelity-correct mock-ups.

  • Payload flight hardware and specialized system components, controls, and equipment.
  • Operation in accordance with operator procedures.
  • Continued practical training toward mastery of systems and equipment operations.
Completion

Orbital Launch Vehicle Operations Assessment

Before completing Orbital Launch Vehicle Operations, the SFP receives a comprehensive instructor-led review followed by practical and written assessment to determine competency in orbital launch and associated vehicle operations.

  • Sub-Program 02

IVA Operations

IVA Operations advances SFP knowledge in extended-duration physiology and the orbital environment, including orbital transitions and close-proximity operations. Ground training introduces operations occurring during stays on an orbital vehicle of ten days or more, including vehicle systems, exercise protocols, hygiene, and emergency procedures.

Training Focus

Operating Environment: orbital vehicle stay of 10 days or more
Focus: extended-duration physiology, vehicle orientation, life support, environmental systems, galley, hygiene, docking, emergency procedures, simulations, G-force adaptation, and microgravity adaptation.

IVA Section Outcome

The SFP completes instructor-led review plus practical and written assessment to determine competency in IVA and associated vehicle operations.

01/ PHY 301

Spaceflight Physiology 2: Extended Spaceflight Effects

Introduces physiological issues experienced during extended-duration spaceflight.

  • How and why the body reacts during extended spaceflight.
  • Musculoskeletal decay, fluid redistribution, and reduced aerobic capacity.
  • Microgravity effects on cardiovascular systems and natural senses.
  • Psychological risks, radiation exposure, fatigue, and sleep-pattern disruption.
  • Methods of mitigating physiological decay and negative psychological effects.
02/ PHY 302

Spaceflight Physiology 3: Post-Flight Effects

Introduces physiological effects when returning to a 1 G-force environment after extended microgravity exposure.

  • Body response on return from extended spaceflight.
  • Musculoskeletal loading, orthostatic intolerance, and orthostatic hypotension.
  • Psychological risks such as asthenization syndrome.
  • Mitigation of physiological and psychological effects after return to 1 G.
03/ ENV 302

Orbital Spaceflight Environment 3: Low Earth Orbit

Familiarizes the SFP with the Low Earth Orbit environment.

  • Low Earth Orbit spatial boundaries and current operations.
  • Requirements, advantages, and limits of reaching and maintaining Low Earth Orbit.
  • Orbital periods, vehicle velocity, and temperature extremes.
  • Re-entry, mission architecture, radiation, and micrometeorite/orbital debris hazards and mitigation.
04/ GT 306

Orbital Vehicle Systems 1: Vehicle Orientation

Provides initial orientation to the orbital vehicle.

  • General layout of the orbital vehicle habitat.
  • System interface locations and personal use stations.
  • Living quarters, life support equipment, and personal protection equipment.
05/ GT 307

Orbital Vehicle Systems 2: Life Support Systems

Trains the SFP on orbital vehicle life support systems and equipment using a fidelity-correct mock-up.

  • Life support hardware, components, controls, and equipment.
  • Operation of systems in accordance with operator procedures.
  • Practical training toward mastery of systems and equipment operations.
06/ GT 308

Orbital Vehicle Systems 3: Environmental Systems

Trains the SFP on the operator’s orbital vehicle environmental systems and equipment using fidelity-correct mock-ups.

  • Environmental system hardware, components, controls, and equipment.
  • System operation in accordance with operator procedures.
  • Continued practical training toward mastery.
07/ GT 309

Orbital Vehicle Systems 4: Galley, Health, Hygiene Systems and Living Quarters

Trains the SFP on galley, health, hygiene systems, and personal living-space equipment.

  • Galley, health, hygiene components, controls, and equipment.
  • Proper operation of systems in accordance with operator procedures.
  • Personal living quarters, equipment, and exercise protocols.
08/ GT 310

Orbital Vehicle Systems 5: Docking Systems

Trains the SFP on orbital vehicle docking system equipment, post-docking, and pre-departure procedures.

  • Docking hardware, components, controls, and equipment.
  • SFP roles during post-docking and pre-departure.
  • Docking system operation in accordance with operator procedures.
09/ GT 311

Orbital Vehicle Systems 6: Payload and Specialized Systems

Trains the SFP on unique payloads or systems installed on the operator’s orbital vehicle.

  • Payload flight hardware and specialized system components, controls, and equipment.
  • Operation of payloads and specialized systems in accordance with operator procedures.
  • Continued practical training toward mastery.
10/ GT 312

Orbital Vehicle Emergency Procedures Training and Simulation

Trains the SFP on emergency procedures in accordance with FAA requirements.

  • General and operator emergency procedures.
  • Cabin fire, cabin smoke, loss of cabin pressure, and emergency ground egress.
  • Emergency egress procedures, life support, survival equipment, and simulated drills.
11/ GT 313

Spaceflight Dynamics and Control Simulation

Places the SFP in a crew and Mission Control environment using nominal procedures to execute mission objectives related to orbital operations.

  • Complete mission objectives.
  • Use attitude control, propulsion, telemetry, and communication systems.
  • Exercise CRM principles through problem solving.
  • Continue practical training that improves CRM-related operations.
12/ FT 300

Accelerated G-Force Adaptation

Subjects the SFP to high G-force load effects coupled with vestibular and visual stimulation during unusual attitudes.

  • Review gas laws, mitigation, and self-clearing procedures.
  • Review hypoxic chamber experience and IMSAFE checklist.
  • Understand the accelerated G-force profile and associated survival equipment.
  • Practice countermeasures to prevent loss of consciousness.
  • Experience slow and rapid G-force onset vectors while exercising physiological countermeasures.
13/ FT 301

Microgravity Adaptation

Subjects the SFP to microgravity effects coupled with vestibular and visual stimulation during unusual attitudes.

  • Review physiology topics and accelerated G-force flight information.
  • Review microgravity translation techniques.
  • Demonstrate microgravity operations and recovery from unusual attitudes.
  • Become knowledgeable of physiological effects associated with changes in gravity.
Completion

IVA Operations Assessment

Before completing IVA Operations, the SFP receives a comprehensive instructor-led review followed by practical and written assessment to determine competency in IVA and associated vehicle operations.

  • Sub-Program 03

EVA Operations

EVA Operations provides specialized training for planned EVA tasks and contingent operations. Training includes advanced pressure suit operations, translation techniques, EVA tools and crew aids, procedure execution, and EVA flight rules and protocols. Tasks build competency through repeated practice.

Training Focus

Required When: EVA training is included in the participant’s orbital profile
Focus: EVA physiology, EVA environment, pressure suit operations, EVA tools, airlock systems, IVA/EVA procedures, emergency procedures, and neutral-buoyancy or neutral-gravity EVA simulation.

EVA Section Outcome

The SFP completes an instructor-led procedure review and assessment to determine competency in the EVA environment.

01/ PHY 303

Spaceflight Physiology 4: EVA Physiology

Introduces physiological issues, considerations, hazards, and mitigation required to prepare for and execute an EVA.

  • Spinal elongation.
  • Decompression sickness.
  • Physical ailments exhibited during EVA.
  • Micrometeorite risks, radiation exposure, and fatigue.
02/ ENV 303

Orbital Spaceflight Environment 4: EVA Environment

Introduces the SFP to the EVA environment, including hazards and mitigation techniques.

03/ ENV 304

Orbital Spaceflight Environment 5: EVA Operations

Introduces the EVA operational environment, including operator mission support architecture, procedures, translation techniques, protocols, and flight rules.

04/ GT 314

EVA Systems 1: EVA Pressure Suit

Introduces EVA pressure suit fit, form, and function for EVA preparation.

  • Fit the EVA pressure suit used by the operator.
  • Learn pressure suit hardware nomenclature and ancillary comfort items.
  • Develop working knowledge of IVA and EVA donning, doffing, operations, and safety precautions.
  • Perform suit sizing and mobility evaluation.
05/ GT 315

EVA Systems 2: Tools and Crew Aids

Trains the SFP on EVA tools and crew-aid equipment used during EVA.

  • EVA flight hardware, restraint devices, and safety equipment.
  • Operation of tools and crew aids in accordance with IVA and EVA procedures.
  • EVA preparation protocols and continued practical training.
06/ GT 316

EVA Systems 3: Airlock Systems and Operation

Trains the SFP on orbital vehicle airlock systems and equipment using a fidelity-correct mock-up.

  • Airlock hardware, components, controls, and equipment.
  • Operation in accordance with IVA and EVA procedures.
  • EVA preparation protocols and continued practical training.
07/ GT 317

EVA Systems 4: IVA Nominal Procedures

Trains procedures and protocols used during IVA to prepare for EVA.

  • Flight hardware and IVA procedures used before and after EVA.
  • Gathering EVA hardware and operating airlock systems.
  • EVA pressure suit preparation, ingress, and egress.
  • Pre-EVA physiological protocols, depressurization, and re-pressurization.
08/ GT 318

EVA Systems 4: IVA Emergency Procedures

Trains execution of IVA emergency procedures and protocols used to respond to EVA emergencies.

  • EVA flight hardware and IVA emergency procedures before, during, and after EVA.
  • Emergency airlock operation, suit emergency egress, and emergency re-pressurization protocols.
  • Continued practical training toward mastery.
09/ GT 319

EVA Systems 5: EVA Nominal Procedures

Trains execution of nominal EVA procedures.

  • Planned EVA procedures.
  • Proper translation routes, techniques, and keep-out zones.
  • Continued practical training toward mastery.
10/ GT 320

EVA Systems 6: EVA Emergency Procedures

Trains execution of emergency procedures and protocols used to respond to EVA emergencies.

  • Flight hardware and EVA emergency procedures used during EVA.
  • Emergency operation of EVA pressure suit and emergency vehicle ingress.
  • Incapacitated rescue techniques and procedures.
  • Continued practical training toward mastery.
11/ GT 321

EVA Systems 7: EVA Simulation

Prepares the SFP for planned EVA using fidelity-correct mock-ups in a neutrally buoyant or neutral-gravity environment simulating microgravity procedures.

  • Review nominal EVA objectives.
  • Perform operational check of the EVA pressure suit and enter the simulation environment.
  • Execute planned nominal EVA procedures with emergency procedures and incapacitated rescue.
  • Exercise CRM principles with critical communication training.
Completion

EVA Operations Assessment

Before completing EVA Operations, the SFP receives a comprehensive instructor-led procedure review followed by a comprehensive assessment to determine competency in the EVA environment.

  • Final Assessment

Instructor-Led Review & Orbital Competency Assessment

Prior to completion, participants receive instructor-led reviews followed by comprehensive practical and written assessments for orbital launch operations, IVA operations, and, when required, EVA operations. The goal is to determine competency in the vehicle environment, procedures, crew communication, contingency response, and mission operations.

  • Orbital launch vehicle procedures and associated vehicle operations.
  • IVA procedures, systems operation, and emergency response.
  • EVA procedures, pressure suit readiness, airlock operations, rescue procedures, and simulated EVA execution when required.
Ready to Register?

Reserve your Level 3 Orbital Training seat or contact Waypoint 2 Space for enrollment, program availability, group pricing, and training details.

281-694-5661
info@waypoint2space.com

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