hand-held maneuvering unit A small jet held by astronauts to maneuver during space walks; it was used in some flights prior to the Space Shuttle. The unit employed nitrogen as fuel, which was fed to the unit under pressure through the astronaut’s umbilical cord from the spacecraft. Related category MANNED SPACEFLIGHT Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |