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Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International (HSSSI) has been conducting an internal research and development study of an integrated portable life support system design for advanced exploration missions. This design combines several new subsystem and component concepts to achieve dramatic reductions in system weight and consumables and increased reliability and safety. The study includes the design and manufacture of subsystems and components and the assembly and test of an integrated bench top system prototype. The system design and the results of testing and analysis are described.

A fresh look at the use of astronaut time to conduct and support Extravehicular Activity (EVA) can help guide the evolution of next generation EVA systems. Studies have shown that less than 20% of the flight crew time for EVA (prior/during/post) is currently spent directly on productive tasks. In the future, longer missions, larger and more complex orbiting platforms and on-orbit maintenance of EVA equipment will drive this percentage even lower. Study of where the remaining 80% of the flight crew time presently goes indicates where improvements could be aggressively pursued for next generation systems. With the high cost per manhour on orbit, and estimated needs for 200 or more crew hours of EVA annually for space station, these improvements are clearly worthwhile. Current use of crew time before, during and after EVA were analyzed, and major uses of time identified.