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This paper reports on the development status of the flight experiment ANITA (Analysing Interferometer for Ambient Air). Based on ruggedized FTIR technology, ANITA represents a sophisticated air analyser for manned space cabins. In combination with specific analysis software developed through physical simulations and PLS (Partial Least Squares) statistical analyses, the monitoring system can detect and quantify over 30 gases nearly on–line. After testing, calibration and qualification of the system, an in-orbit-testing is scheduled around end of 2003.

This paper is a status report on the development of ANITA (Analysing Interferometer for Ambient Air), an FTIR-based (Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer) trace gas monitoring system. ANITA is scheduled for transport to the ISS (International Space Station) on the ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) maiden flight ‘Jules Verne’, scheduled for launch April 2006. ANITA is calibrated to detect and quantify simultaneously 32 of the most important trace gases in the ISS atmosphere. ANITA operates fully automatic with one reading every 5 minutes. However, manual operation for non-local sampling is possible. To fulfil this measurement task a high-quality instrument has been developed and provided with sophisticated analysis software based on measurement simulations and advanced statistical regression techniques.