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BioSim is a simulation tool which captures many basic life support functions in an integrated simulation. Conventional analyses can not efficiently consider all possible life support system configurations. Heuristic approaches are a possible alternative. In an effort to demonstrate efficacy, a validating experiment was designed to compare the configurational optima discovered by heuristic approaches and an analytical approach. Thus far, it is clear that a genetic algorithm finds reasonable optima, although an improved fitness function is required. Further, despite a tight analytical fit to data, optimization produces disparate results which will require further validation.

High costs and extreme risks prevent the life testing of NASA hardware. These unavoidable limitations prevent the determination of sound reliability bounds for NASA hardware; thus the true risk assumed in future missions is unclear. A simulation infrastructure for determining these risks is developed in a configurable format here. Positive preliminary results in preparation for validation testing are reported. A stochastic filter simulates non-deterministic output from the various unit processes. A maintenance and repair module has been implemented with several levels of complexity. Two life testing approaches have been proposed for use in future model validation.

To support manned lunar and Martian exploration, NASA/JSC and LESC are conducting an extensive evaluation of air revitalization subsystems. The major operations under study include regenerative CO2 removal and reduction; O2 and N2 production, storage, and distribution; humidity and temperature control; and trace contaminant control. This paper describes the ongoing analysis of air revitalization subsystems, including ASPEN PLUS™ modeling and breadboard test stand operation. A comprehensive analysis program based on a generalized block flow model is currently being developed to facilitate the evaluation of various processes and their interactions. Future plans for the development of this simulation will be discussed. ASPEN PLUS™ has been used to model a variety of the subsystems described above; application of this package in modeling CO2 removal and reduction will be discussed.