Specifications on ISS EVA suit cameras

Partial answer

First use of the Wireless Vision System was on STS-97 in December 2000.

Embedded in the EVA helmet are three fixed-focus, variable aperture cameras: a 3.5-millimeter lens, located just left of center on top of the helmet shell, providing a wide-angle view; a 6-millimeter lens mounted above the light on the left side of the helmet, providing a medium-angle view; and a 12-millimeter lens mounted above the light on the right side of the helmet, providing a narrow-angle view.

Reference: Space News Roundup, Feb 2001

The document EVA Tools and Equipment Reference Book JSC-20466 contains some information on the older EMU TV system. (page C-15)

OVERVIEW

The extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) TV is a helmet-mounted, solid-state color TV camera that provides real-time scenes from the approximate point of view of the crewmember. It was originally designed to support in-flight orbiter tile repair. The EMU TV comprises a small TV camera, closeup lens, battery pack, on--off switch, radio frequency (RF) antenna, an S-band transmitter, and a low-voltage cutoff circuit. The battery pack of eight cells is removable and can supply power for about 6 hr. The orbiter receives the RF TV transmission through its upper or lower S-band hemi antennas from one TV at a time and relays the signals to the closed circuit television system for display, recording, or transmission to the ground.

OPERATIONAL COMMENTS

The EMU TV power on/off pushbutton switch is located on the forward right-hand side of the housing. The flush mounting of this switch precludes tether snags but results in limited tactile feedback. A green light-emitting diode indicator is located to the left of the on/off pushbutton and can be difficult to see illuminated with varying on-orbit lighting. The normal EMU TV lens provides for viewing objects 36 in. to 25 ft away. The closeup lens allows for viewing objects 12 in. to 36 in. away. The lens is mounted on a movable bracket and can be moved into place using a hand-operated switch located on the forward left side, just below the TV lens opening (up for closeup, down for distant viewing). The camera field-of-view is 7 ° below the horizontal. The TV mounts to the EMU helmet by attachment receptacles on the EMU lights. If more than one TV is flown, only one can be active at a time or the combined signals will allow neither to provide useful images. In-cabin checkout is limited to rough signal reception, because clear images are precluded by vehicle structure between the TV and the external antennas. Future enhancements include an upgraded transmitter.