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A description is given of a computer program developed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) for the assessment of manned space station environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) technology. The program methodology along with the data base and mission model variables are given for 17 candidate technologies that show potential for supplying metabolic oxygen and water on manned space missions. The data base includes metabolic design loads associated with crew activity, engineering design parameters for each technology option, and cost data required for candidate life cycle cost comparisons. The method for ranking the candidate options in order to provide recommendations for space station application or subsequent development is presented.

Seventeen Environmental Control and Life Support System technology options to provide metabolic oxygen and water to sustain a multiperson crew on Space Station missions have been evaluated. The options included state-of-the-art technologies as well as advanced technologies that offer the potential for improvements in Environmental Control and Life Support Systems performance. The methodology for candidate technology recommendations was based upon specific assessment criteria as functions of prelaunch development activities and postlaunch operational considerations. The electrochemical depolarized cell option for carbon dioxide concentration, the sabatier option for carbon dioxide reduction, the static feed water electrolysis option for metabolic oxygen recovery, and vapor compression distillation and multifiltration options for waste water recovery were recommended.