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The Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) equipment is one of the most sensitive subsystems aboard a manned spacecraft and the ECLSS envisaged for oncoming European programs such as Columbus or Hermes will be very complex in nature. Its development relies on the intense use of computer software during all phases of design and operations. A modern ECLS system consists of a variety of components and assemblies and contains a number of loop-type structures where components mutually influence each other. The computer software required to support the ECLSS engineer can be categorised in two groups. ‘Design Software’ is mainly employed on component and assembly level and aids the engineer in reaching the required design point. ‘Simulation Software’ is rather employed on subsystem and system level and allows to analyse a given lay-out or design and to obtain performance data for a wide range of conditions.