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A preliminary design of a Life Support System (LSS) has been developed as part of an ongoing comprehensive trade study of advanced processor technologies and system architectures for an Initial Lunar Outpost. The design is based on a mission scenario requiring intermittent occupation of a lunar surface habitat by a crew of four. It incorporates physiochemical process technologies that were considered for Space Station Freedom. A system-level simulation model of the design was developed to obtain steady-state material balances for each LSS processor. The mass flow rate predictions were used to obtain estimates of the LSS mass, volume, and power consumption by means of processor sizing correlations that were extrapolated from Space Station Freedom processor designs.

Several studies performed in support of the Space Exploration Initiative have identified the need for development or improvement of new or existing regenerative life support process technologies. In part, the need to develop such technologies is dependent on the quantities of consumables that are required by the mission and hence on mission design. Trade studies will be needed to determine appropriate life support system designs that provide consumables to the crew and support systems and dispose of waste materials that are generated. These studies will require quantitative estimates of consumables and waste stream disposal requirements that support a given mission scenario. The NASA Exploration Programs Office (ExPO) is attempting to define the details and logistics of a design reference mission for the first human return to the Moon. The mission is referred to as the First Lunar Outpost.