(B2431) wrote:

The low pressure in the Apollo spacecraft had more to do with the space suits
than structural integrity of the spacecraft. Space suits lose flexibility as
inside to outside presure ratio increases. They kept the pressure in the
spacecraft low to avoid having to slowly decompress before landing on the
moon.
I believe the shuttle does it for the same reason.


I believe it, but the partial pressure of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level
is about 3.5 lbs/sq in. , so you don't need any more than that. In fact unless
there are other low pressure problems like osmotic gradients in the lungs or
something, you should be able to run fine at one or two pounds of straight O2.

-- Charlie Springer