Search Results

The space station environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) is divided into seven functional groups: temperature and humidity control (THC), atmosphere control and supply (ACS), atmosphere revitalization (AR), fire detection and suppression (FDS), water recovery and management (WRM), waste management (WM), and EVA support (ES). This paper addresses the distribution among the modules of the ECLSS subsystems within each of these groups, both in terms of physical and functional distribution. The module resource requirements and safety implications, particularly with regard to safe haven operations are discussed. The implications of subsystem sizing are also addressed. The major recommendation is to physically distribute, but functionally centralize the air revitalization and potable water reclamation systems, while sizing each of these subsystems to support a six person crew under emergency conditions.

With the advent of a long-life U.S. Space Station, the development of a regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) becomes essential in order avoid the severe logistics penalty associated with an expendable ECLSS. Currently, NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and their prime contractors are evaluating competing regenerative ECLSS technologies using the Technology Demonstrator (Tech Demo) Program. The Tech Demo Program consists of two phases: (1) comparative test, and (2) 90-day manned systems test. The data derived from this test program, in conjunction with analytical assessments and other test data, will determine the prime technologies to pursue for the Space Station ECLSS. This paper details the Tech Demo program including the overall objectives, hardware requirements and major milestones as currently conceived by the MSFC.

The Space Station Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) test program at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is addressed. The immediate goals and current activities of the test program are discussed. Also described are the Core Module Integration Facility (CMIF) and the initial ECLSS test configuration. Future plans for the ECLSS test program and the CMIF are summarized.