Lunar Base Life Support Mass Flow and Recycling 2008-01-2184

This report considers crewmembers’ life support needs for air, water, and food in a long duration lunar surface base. It also considers requirements for washing and clean-up water, waste recycling, and the crew's use of air, water, and food during Extravehicular Activity (EVA). The life support mass flow is described, including the needs of the statistical average crewmember, the expected variation between crewmembers, and the potential range of the total crew's average requirements. To develop the lowest cost, most reliable life support system that meets the crew needs, we must understand how the requirements impose design constraints and cost drivers and provide options and opportunities. We also must be aware of the degree of flexibility and potential change in requirements as their costs and implementation become defined. Identifying the best life support system design architecture requires detailed understanding of the limits and opportunities in providing the needed life support mass.