Hydrospace Laboratory

The laboratory covers 6,000 square feet and houses seven hyperbaric test chambers ranging in size from 18 inches inside diameter by 24 inches long, to 4 foot inside diameter by 11 feet long, a test tank, and data acquisition and processing systems that allow unmanned simulation and testing. The chambers provide hyperbaric capabilities to 2,500 psig (5,600 feet of sea water), and hypobaric capabilities to 0.1 psia. The chambers can be pressurized with nitrogen, helium, air, water, or any combination. They can be chilled to 25 degrees Fahrenheit or heated to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and maintained within +0.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Each chamber will accommodate a color cameras system rated for 2,500 psig. The camera system is suitable for use dry or submerged in water. The chambers can be compressed and decompressed on a custom multilevel dive profile for an infinite number of cycles under full computer control. All instrumentation is calibrated and is traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology. The facility also maintains two breathing machines to simulate human physiology in the development testing of life support equipment.