MICROMETEORITE PENETRATION STUDIES

his very badly water damaged, silent film was originally produced by Chance Vought Astronautics to show how a series of micrometeorite penetration studies were conducted. It's unclear when this research was undertaken, possibly 1971. The goal of these tests, as stated in a card at (12:58), was to define a psychologically acceptable breathing atmosphere that would afford maximum protection in the event of a micrometeoric penetration of cabin atmosphere."

Although the film is almost impossible to make out due to the water damage, careful examination of the existing footage indicates that large air tanks and an explosive charge were used to simulate the impact of a micrometeorite on a pressurized spacecraft, sometimes with a 100% oxygen atmosphere. Interestingly, these experiments involved the use of live animals in the form of mice (4:27). The test at (6:00) states that the result "violent and immediate uniform burning of the animal to the epidermis." Another test at (8:52) which used "standard air" instead of 100% oxygen, resulted in "very broad singeing". Other tests follow including "depilatory" tests where the animal was apparently shaved prior to the experiment taking place.