Browse Topic: Life support systems

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BioPod Takes One Step Closer to Life on MarsTBMG-3978209/01/2021
Dassault Systèmes Velizy-Villacoublay, France
Space Station Garden Shines Light on Earth-Based HorticultureTBMG-3685705/01/2020
Astronauts have been gardening on the International Space Station (ISS) for years to learn how plants grow in microgravity, with the idea that space crops will one day help sustain humans on long-duration missions such as to the Moon or Mars. Rather than resting in a soil garden bed, ISS plants grow in a pillow-like container that holds a ceramic growing medium with controlled-release fertilizer that provides nutrients over time. The pillow system is designed to be a passive watering apparatus but astronauts can also inject water directly as needed.
In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Methylotrophic Microorganisms Expressing Soluble Methane Monooxygenase ProteinsTBMG-3581201/01/2020
Long-duration missions to planetary bodies and deep space will require new technological developments that support human habitation in transit and on distant bodies. Microorganisms are unique from the standpoint that they can be employed as self-replicating bio-factories to produce both native and engineered mission-relevant bio-products. Methane (CH4) usage in In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) platforms has been discussed previously for human exploration and has been proposed to be used in physicochemical systems as a propulsion fuel, supply gas, and in fuel cells.
NASA's Thirst for Water on Mars Quenched by Student InnovatorsTBMG-3579401/01/2020
Protolabs Maple Plain, MN
Carbon Capture Process Makes Sustainable OilTBMG-3570312/01/2019
Spinoff is NASA's annual publication featuring successfully commercialized NASA technology. This commercialization has contributed to the development of products and services in the fields of health and medicine, consumer goods, transportation, public safety, computer technology, and environmental resources.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11: Back to the MoonTBMG-3476207/01/2019
The Moon is a treasure chest of science. The lunar samples returned during the Apollo program dramatically changed our view of the solar system, yet they just scratch the surface of what we know about the Moon — knowledge that can be acquired with a sustained human and robotic presence on the Moon. Although Americans first walked on its surface 50 years ago, footprints were left at only six sites during a total of 16 days on the surface. The next wave of lunar exploration will be fundamentally different.
U.S. Army Aeromedical Research LaboratoryTBMG-3463606/01/2019
In October 1962, the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Unit was established with a goal of providing specialized medical and physiological support to help close the gap between Army combat aviation needs and human capabilities, and to protect aviators from altitude, climate, noise, acceleration, impact, and other stressors in a growing hostile environment. In 1969, the Army re-designated the unit as the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL).
Directory of Databases Part I - Whole Body Anthropometry SurveysAIR5145A (Current)11/02/2018
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) lists whole body anthropometric surveys and provides current sources for the survey raw data and summary statistics.
G-45 Human Systems Integration
NASA at 60: From Space to EarthTBMG-3311010/01/2018
The benefits of NASA's space exploration efforts are not limited to the cosmos. NASA technologies provide innovative solutions for people around the world. NASA missions have generated thousands of spinoffs — commercialized products we use every day. On the following pages, we highight just some of the many innovations that had their origins in NASA programs.
Carbon Dioxide Collection and Pressurization TechnologyTBMG-3284309/01/2018
Mars is the ultimate destination for NASA's human exploration program. In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is a key technology required to enable such missions. The goals of using resources available at the exploration site are to reduce launch and delivered mass, reduce risk and cost, enable new missions not possible without ISRU, and expand a human presence in space. A known resource is the Martian atmosphere, composed of 95% CO2, which can be processed to produce useful consumables such as oxygen and methane.
Space Habitability Observation Reporting Tool (iSHORT)TBMG-2972507/01/2018
As documented by the Human Research Program, there is a need for tools to aid in assessing habitability in space vehicles/habitats. Currently, human factors and habitability feedback is collected during post-mission debriefs that may occur up to several months following the end of a mission. This tool was developed to provide a simple means to collect feedback from astronauts regarding human factors and habitability observations throughout the course of a mission.
Magnetic Induction Heating of Space Foods During Dispensing Under Weightless ConditionsTBMG-2905106/01/2018
Hot foods are psychologically pleasing. Food heating systems are currently part of the astronaut feeding program. An electrical method of heating foods during dispensing in space uses magnetic induction heating. The process is up to 95% efficient in converting electricity into food heat during the process of dispensing. There is no direct contact between the electrical source and the food.
Printing Ink Removes Oxygen in Sealed PackagesTBMG-2885205/01/2018
Oxygen adversely impacts food flavor and nutrition. NASA’s proposed five-year shelf life for astronaut food requires aggressive measures to minimize oxygen. Previously, NASA packaged foods in containers with a high oxygen and moisture barrier. These materials have limiting properties. They contain a metal layer; therefore, they do not incinerate or melt-compress. As a result, they are a disposal burden. They also have only a three-year shelf life.
New Medical Device EMC RequirementsTBMG-2500207/01/2016
Implementation of IEC 60601-1-2, 4th edition is on the horizon. This collateral standard to the IEC 60601-1 medical safety standard specifies the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for medical devices and systems. The fourth edition was issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in February 2014. The FDA is requiring compliance for new products after April 1, 2017, and in Europe, the EN 60601-1-2:2007 3rd edition withdrawal date is currently set for December 31, 2018. It is expected that the EN 60601-1-2:2015 (4th) edition will be in effect in the EU before that date.
Regenerable Trace-Contaminant Sorbent for the Primary Life Support System (PLSS)TBMG-2219806/01/2015
The NASA objective of expanding the human experience into the far reaches of space requires the development of regenerable life support systems. This work addresses the development of a regenerable air-revitalization system for trace-contaminant (TC) removal for the spacesuit used in extravehicular activities (EVAs). Currently, a bed of granular activated carbon is used for TC control. The carbon is impregnated with phosphoric acid to enhance ammonia sorption, but this also makes regeneration difficult, if not impossible. Temperatures as high as 200 °C have been shown to be required for only partial desorption of ammonia on time scales of 18,140 hours. Neither these elevated temperatures nor the long time needed for sorbent regeneration are acceptable. Thus, the activated carbon has been treated as an expendable resource, and the sorbent bed has been oversized in order to last throughout the entire mission.
Concurrent O2 Generation and CO2 Control for Advanced Life SupportTBMG-2141802/01/2015
A life support system generates oxygen in low oxygen and/or hazardous environments such as mining, chemical/biological attacks, nuclear fallout, or space exploration. Based on proven technology, this O2/CO2 control system has the potential to significantly reduce the mass of the oxygen carried into the low oxygen and/or hazardous environment by continuously regenerating the oxygen used by the human subject(s).
Miniaturized, Portable Sensors Monitor Metabolic HealthTBMG-3609308/01/2014
On Earth, gravity might weigh you down, but it also builds you up. For astronauts working in space for long durations, the weightless environment can cause a host of detrimental health effects, such as a loss of bone and muscle mass. Another side effect is cardiovascular deconditioning.
Miniaturized, Portable Sensors Monitor Metabolic HealthTBMG-2026408/01/2014
On Earth, gravity might weigh you down, but it also builds you up. For astronauts working in space for long durations, the weightless environment can cause a host of detrimental health effects, such as a loss of bone and muscle mass. Another side effect is cardiovascular deconditioning.
Metabolic Heat Regenerated Temperature Swing AdsorptionTBMG-1924303/01/2014
Two fundamental problems facing the development of a portable system to sustain life on extraterrestrial surfaces are (1) heat rejection and (2) rejection of metabolically produced CO2 to an environment with a ppCO2 of 0.4 to 0.9 kPa as is present on Mars. Portable life support systems typically use water for heat rejection via sublimation. Consequently, the water is removed from the life support system and into the surrounding environment after use. This wastes a valuable resource required for human life that is expensive to transport from Earth. Furthermore, rejecting the water vapor to the surrounding environment contaminates it, severely interfering with any search for life on extraterrestrial surfaces. A portable life support system should be able to use a variety of fluids for heat rejection, especially liquid CO2, as it can be easily acquired and cheaply stored on the surface of Mars. The use of liquid CO2 as a coolant has the advantage that it will not interfere with scientific
Advanced Hybrid Spacesuit Concept Featuring Integrated Open Loop and Closed Loop Ventilation SystemsTBMG-1875412/01/2013
A document discusses the design and prototype of an advanced spacesuit concept that integrates the capability to function seamlessly with multiple ventilation system approaches. Traditionally, spacesuits are designed to operate both dependently and independently of a host vehicle environment control and life support system (ECLSS). Spacesuits that operate independent of vehicle-provided ECLSS services must do so with equipment selfcontained within or on the spacesuit. Suits that are dependent on vehicle-provided consumables must remain physically connected to and integrated with the vehicle to operate properly.
Dr. Leslie Bebout, Microbial Ecologist, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CATBMG-1756910/01/2013
Dr. Leslie Bebout works as a microbial ecologist in the Exobiology Branch at NASA’s Moffett Field, CA-based Ames Research Center. She and her colleagues study the complexities of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen cycling in early Earth and Mars analog microbial systems. They concurrently are using this systems biology approach to work with engineers to design systems geared to optimize the use of water, light and nutrient resources relevant both to the development of new green technologies and space exploration capabilities.
NASA Announces 2012 Inventions of the YearTBMG-1661206/01/2013
The 2012 NASA Government Invention of the Year was awarded to a tiny sensor that detects chemicals in the air. The technology, titled “High Sensitive, Low Power and Compact Nano Sensors for Trace Chemical Detection,” was invented by Jing Li and Meyya Meyyappan of NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, CA, and Yijang Lu of the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Space-Inspired Trailers Encourage Exploration on EarthTBMG-1645405/01/2013
Garrett Finney moved the office coffeemaker into the full-size, cardboard mockup of the new trailer he was designing. The need for caffeine — and the threat of hot coffee accidentally dumped on a coworker — provided motivation and means for assessing the feasibility of a confined living space. Finney has what he calls a “nonstandard expertise in people in small spaces.” He developed it while part of a NASA team designing living quarters for the International Space Station (ISS).
Water Treatment Systems for Long SpaceflightsTBMG-1509711/01/2012
Space exploration will require new life support systems to support the crew on journeys lasting from a few days to several weeks, or longer. These systems should also be designed to reduce the mass required to keep humans alive in space. Water accounts for about 80 percent of the daily mass intake required to keep a person alive. As a result, recycling water offers a high return on investment for space life support. Water recycling can also increase mission safety by providing an emergency supply of drinking water, where another supply is exhausted or contaminated.
ALSSAT Version 6.0TBMG-1406507/01/2012
Advanced Life Support Sizing Analysis Tool (ALSSAT) at the time of this reporting has been updated to version 6.0. A previous version was described in “Tool for Sizing Analysis of the Advanced Life Support System” (MSC- 23506), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 29, No. 12 (December 2005), page 43. To recapitulate: ALSSAT is a computer program for sizing and analyzing designs of environmental- control and life-support systems for spacecraft and surface habitats to be involved in exploration of Mars and the Moon. Of particular interest for analysis by ALSSAT are conceptual designs of advanced life-support (ALS) subsystems that utilize physicochemical and biological processes to recycle air and water and process human wastes to reduce the need of resource resupply.
Cavitating Jet Method and System for Oxygenation of LiquidsTBMG-1389606/01/2012
Reclamation and re-use of water is critical for space-based life support systems. A number of functions must be performed by any such system including removal of various contaminants and oxygenation. For long-duration space missions, this must be done with a compact, reliable system that requires little or no use of expendables and minimal power. DynaJets cavitating jets can oxidize selected organic compounds with much greater energy efficiency than ultrasonic devices typically used in sonochemistry. The focus of this work was to develop cavitating jets to simultaneously accomplish the functions of oxygenation and removal of contaminants of importance to space-structured water reclamation systems.
Carbon Dioxide Removal via Passive Thermal ApproachesTBMG-1048807/07/2011
A paper describes a regenerable approach to separate carbon dioxide from other cabin gases by means of cooling until the carbon dioxide forms carbon dioxide ice on the walls of the physical device. Currently, NASA space vehicles remove carbon dioxide by reaction with lithium hydroxide (LiOH) or by adsorption to an amine, a zeolite, or other sorbent. Use of lithium hydroxide, though reliable and well-understood, requires significant mass for all but the shortest missions in the form of lithium hydroxide pellets, because the reaction of carbon dioxide with lithium hydroxide is essentially irreversible. This approach is regenerable, uses less power than other historical approaches, and it is almost entirely passive, so it is more economical to operate and potentially maintenance-free for long-duration missions.
A Computer Model for Analyzing Volatile Removal AssemblyTBMG-871511/01/2010
A computer model simulates reactional gas/liquid two-phase flow processes in porous media. A typical process is the oxygen/wastewater flow in the Volatile Removal Assembly (VRA) in the Closed Environment Life Support System (CELSS) installed in the International Space Station (ISS). The volatile organics in the wastewater are combusted by oxygen gas to form clean water and carbon dioxide, which is solved in the water phase. The model predicts the oxygen gas concentration profile in the reactor, which is an indicator of reactor performance.
Michael Ewert, Deputy Project Manager, Exploration Life Support (ELS) Project, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TXTBMG-864510/01/2010
In 2001, NASA engineer Michael Ewert developed and patented a unique solar-powered vapor-compression refrigeration system that operates without batteries or external power of any kind. The system, which is powered by a photovoltaic panel and custom-designed electronic controls, could be used not only for long-duration space missions but also to build more environmentally friendly refrigeration systems here on Earth. Currently, Ewert is the Deputy Project Manager for NASA’s Exploration Life Support Project, which is developing new technologies needed to sustain human life on long-duration space exploration missions.
Microwave Plasma Hydrogen Recovery SystemTBMG-848408/31/2010
A microwave plasma reactor was developed for the recovery of hydrogen contained within waste methane produced by Carbon Dioxide Reduction Assembly (CRA), which reclaims oxygen from CO2. Since half of the H2 reductant used by the CRA is lost as CH4, the ability to reclaim this valuable resource will simplify supply logistics for long-term manned missions. Microwave plasmas provide an extreme thermal environment within a very small and precisely controlled region of space, resulting in very high energy densities at low overall power, and thus can drive high-temperature reactions using equipment that is smaller, lighter, and less power-consuming than traditional fixed-bed and fluidized-bed catalytic reactors. The high energy density provides an economical means to conduct endothermic reactions that become thermodynamically favorable only at very high temperatures.
Polar Lunar Regions: Exploiting Natural and Augmented Thermal EnvironmentsTBMG-817207/01/2010
In the polar regions of the Moon, some areas within craters are permanently shadowed from solar illumination and can drop to temperatures of 100 K or lower. These sites may serve as cold traps, capturing ice and other volatile compounds, possibly for eons. Interestingly, ice stored in these locations could potentially alter how lunar exploration is conducted. Within craters inside craters (double-shaded craters) that are shaded from thermal re-radiation and from solar illuminated regions, even colder regions should exist and, in many cases, temperatures in these regions never exceed 50 K. Working in these harsh environments with existing conventional systems, exploration or mining activities could be quite daunting and challenging. However, if the unique characteristics of these environments were exploited, the power, weight, and total mass that is required to be carried from the Earth to the Moon for lunar exploration and research would be substantially reduced.
Going the Distance: Surgical Robotics and Remote Medical Care in the BattlefieldTBMG-786305/01/2010
Providing medical care from afar using robotic technology is a fascinating concept that could save more lives in the battlefield. The technology still has a way to go, but it is starting to make its way into reality. One thing researchers are discovering is that autonomous technology could be a very attractive option for situations with limited access to medical care.
Robot for Positioning Sensors in a Plant-Growth ChamberTBMG-TB-00741902/11/2010
The Advanced Life Support Automated Remote Manipulator (ALSARM) is a three-degree-of-freedom robotic system that positions an array of sensors inside a closed-system hydroponic chamber used in research on the production of biomass and the use of hydroponic subsystems of life-support systems. The array includes sensors to measure the light intensity, air temperature, infrared temperature, relative humidity, and airflow. The ALSARM operates under either automatic control by a personal computer or manual control through a teaching pendant (essentially, a hand-held box that contains switches and indicators wired to a plug for connection to the rest of the ALSARM control circuitry). The motivation for developing the ALSARM was the need to eliminate the leakage of the chamber atmosphere and the potential for contamination associated with the prior practice of opening the chamber so that technicians could enter to take environmental measurements. One especially notable feature of the ALSARM
Lunar Dust-Tolerant Electrical ConnectorTBMG-716802/01/2010
An electrical connector was developed that is tolerant of the presence of lunar dust. Novel features of the connector include the use of a permeable membrane to act both as a dust barrier and as a wiper to limit the amount of dust that makes its way into the internal chamber of the connector. The development focused on the Constellation lunar extra-vehicular activity (EVA) spacesuit’s portable life support system (PLSS) battery recharge connector; however, continued research is applying this technology to other lunar surface systems such as lunar rover subsystems and cryogenic fluid transfer connections for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) applications.
Advanced Rigid/Inflatable Spacecraft Habitation ModuleTBMG-TB-00706101/22/2010
This module is especially well suited to long spaceflight. A large, lightweight, economical, easy-to-manufacture human-habitation module that is well suited to long-term use in outer space has been developed. Modules like this one have potential for commercial applications, including the provision of human habitats for the commercialization of outer space and for shelter against such hostile environments as frigid polar regions, high altitude (airborne or on mountains), and underwater. For government purposes, a module like this one can serve as a "TransHab" (a human-habitation module for transit from the surface of the Earth to low orbit around the Earth), or as a habitation or laboratory module on the International Space Station, the surface of Mars, or the surface of the Moon. Indeed a module like this one could eventually be used as a free-flying laboratory in which to conduct long-duration outer-space research.
Fine-Water-Mist Multiple-Orientation-Discharge Fire ExtinguisherTBMG-667901/01/2010
A fine-water-mist fire-suppression device has been designed so that it can be discharged uniformly in any orientation via a high-pressure gas propellant. Standard fire extinguishers used while slightly tilted or on their side will not discharge all of their contents. Thanks to the new design, this extinguisher can be used in multiple environments such as aboard low-gravity spacecraft, airplanes, and aboard vehicles that may become overturned prior to or during a fire emergency. Research in recent years has shown that fine water mist can be an effective alternative to Halons now banned from manufacture.
Space-Proven Medical Monitor Provides Total Patient CareTBMG-667301/01/2010
By mid-1963, American astronauts had visited space on six different occasions, all as part of NASA’s first human space flight program, the Mercury Program. During the final Mercury mission, launched on May 15, 1963, astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper logged 34 hours in orbit, the longest an American had spent in space to that point. Still, very little was known about the impact that space would have on humans and spacecraft that were subjected to long-duration missions. With this in mind, NASA decided to follow the Mercury Program with a new initiative called the Gemini Program.
In-Line Filtration Improves Hygiene and Reduces ExpenseTBMG-651011/01/2009
Water is highly prized in the unforgiving realm of space travel and habitation. Ample water reserves for drinking, food preparation, and bathing would take up an inordinate amount of storage space and infrastructure, which is always at a premium on a vessel or station. Water rationing and recycling are thus an essential part of daily life and operations on the space shuttles and International Space Station (ISS). The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), under continuing development at Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, helps astronauts use and reuse their supplies of water.
Development Testing of a High Differential Pressure (HDP) Water Electrolysis Cell Stack for the High Pressure Oxygen Generating Assembly (HPOGA)2009-01-234607/12/2009
The International Space Station (ISS) requires advanced life support to continue its mission as a permanently-manned space laboratory and to reduce logistic resupply requirements as the Space Shuttle retires from service. Additionally, as humans reach to explore the moon and Mars, advanced vehicles and extraterrestrial bases will rely on life support systems that feature in-situ resource utilization to minimize launch weight and enhance mission capability. An obvious goal is the development of advanced systems that meet the requirements of both mission scenarios to reduce development costs by deploying common modules. A high pressure oxygen generating assembly (HPOGA) utilizing a high differential pressure (HDP) water electrolysis cell stack can provide a recharge capability for the high pressure oxygen storage tanks on-board the ISS independently of the Space Shuttle as well as offer a pathway for advanced life support equipment for future manned space exploration missions. After
Roy, Robert J., Graf, John C., Gallus, Timothy D., Rios, Dax L., Smith, Sarah R., Diderich, Greg S.
Results of the Particulate Contamination Control Trade Study for Space Suit Life Support Development2009-01-237307/12/2009
As the United States makes plans to return astronauts to the moon and eventually send them on to Mars, designing the most effective, efficient, and robust spacesuit life support system that will operate successfully in dusty environments is vital. Some knowledge has been acquired regarding the contaminants and level of infiltration that can be expected from lunar and Mars dust, however, risk mitigation strategies and filtration designs that will prevent contamination within a spacesuit life support system are yet undefined. A trade study was therefore initiated to identify and address these concerns, and to develop new requirements for the Constellation spacesuit element Portable Life Support System. This trade study investigated historical methods of controlling particulate contamination in spacesuits and space vehicles, and evaluated the possibility of using commercial technologies for this application. The trade study also examined potential filtration designs. This paper summarizes
Cognata, Thomas J., Conger, Bruce, Paul, Heather L.
Development and Testing of a Sorbent-Based Atmosphere Revitalization System 2008/20092009-01-244507/12/2009
The design and evaluation of a Vacuum-Swing Adsorption (VSA) system to remove metabolic water and metabolic carbon dioxide from a spacecraft atmosphere is presented. The approach for Orion and Altair is a VSA system that removes not only 100 percent of the metabolic CO2 from the atmosphere, but also 100% of the metabolic water as well, a technology approach that has not been used in previous spacecraft life support systems. The design and development of an Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Sorbent Based Atmosphere Revitalization system, including test articles, a facility test stand, and full-scale testing in late 2008 and early 2009 is discussed.
Miller, Lee A., Knox, James C.
Laundry Study for a Lunar Outpost2009-01-251507/12/2009
In support of the Constellation Program, NASA conducted an analysis of crew clothing and laundry options. Disposable clothing is currently used in human space missions. However, the new mission duration, goals, launch penalties and habitat environments may lead to a different conclusion. Mass and volume for disposable clothing are major penalties in long-duration human missions. Equivalent System Mass (ESM) of crew clothing and hygiene towels was estimated at about 11% of total life support system ESM for a 4-crew, 10-year Lunar Outpost mission. Ways to lessen this penalty include: reduce clothing supply mass through using clothes made of advanced fabrics, reduce daily usage rate by extending wear duration and employing a laundry with reusable clothing. Lunar habitat atmosphere pressure and therefore oxygen volume percentage will be different from Space Station or Shuttle. Thus flammability of clothing must be revisited. This paper summarizes recent research efforts in advanced
Ewert, Michael K., Jeng, Frank F.
Altair Lander Life Support: Design Analysis Cycles 1, 2, and 32009-01-247707/12/2009
NASA is working to develop a new lunar lander to support lunar exploration. The development process that the Altair project is using for this vehicle is unlike most others. In “Lander Design Analysis Cycle 1” (LDAC-1), a single-string, minimum functionality design concept was developed, including life support systems for different vehicle configuration concepts. The first configuration included an ascent vehicle and a habitat with integral airlocks. The second concept analyzed was a combined ascent vehicle-habitat with a detachable airlock. In LDAC-2, the Altair team took the ascent vehicle-habitat with detachable airlock and analyzed the design for the components that were the largest contributors to the risk of loss of crew (LOC). For life support, the largest drivers were related to oxygen supply and carbon dioxide control. Integrated abort options were developed at the vehicle level. Many life support failures were not considered to result in LOC because the effects take long
Anderson, Molly, Curley, Su, Stambaugh, Imelda, Rotter, Henry
Theoretical Analysis for Long-Term Space Life Support Reliability2009-01-249407/12/2009
Space is characterized by many uncertainties, natural and human induced, for manned missions in hostile environments. Therefore, human operations in space require reliable Life Support Systems (LSS) capable to maintain functionality for long durations. However, the ultimate theoretical analysis of LSS reliability for space applications is very difficult due to many unknown and possibly undiscovered factors which might affect system functional performance. In this work the conceptual approach for a complex LSS reliability analysis is reviewed. Methodology based on Fokker-Planck statistical equation is proposed and investigated. According to these preliminary considerations, a few critical variables are identified and determined: 1) average rate of material recirculation in LSS; 2) LSS and environment uncertainty level (level of material circulation rate fluctuations); and 3) human control level and its limitations. These variables are suggested for further iterations, more detailed
Holubnyak, Yevhen, Rygalov, Vadim
Crew Life Support System for Interplanetary Vechicles2009-01-246407/12/2009
Interplanetary manned missions will change significantly the requirements imposed upon Life Support Systems (LSS) and specifically the requirements on LSS Automated Control Systems (ACS). During interplanetary manned missions the possibilities to control the operation of a specific system from the Ground Mission Control Center (GMCC) are diminished considerably. Therefore, this demands survivability and intelligent level enhancement LSS ACS. The possible ways to solve this problem are as follows: ◦ use of control units and devices built with serial production technology application leading to the minimum of human factor impact; ◦ application of algorithms based on maximal use of adaptive control principles, methods of artificial intelligence theory, engineering system condition diagnosis and prediction; ◦ making up of an aboard information system on the basis of advanced RS 485 interfaces; ◦ maximal development of LSS&ACS section/module structures ensuring module-board communication
Zaretskiy, B. F., Gavrilov, L. I., Kurmazenko, E. A.
Characterization of Microbial Contamination in Pretreated Urine Collected from the ISS Urine Processing Assembly during Ground Testing2009-01-242107/12/2009
With the installation of the Water Recovery System (WRS) during mission STS-126 in 2008, the International Space Station (ISS) added the capability to recover clean water for reuse from crewmember urine and atmospheric humidity condensate, including EVA (Extravehicular Activity) wastes. The ability to collect, store and process these waste streams is required to increase potable water recovery and support the ISS crew augmentation planned for 2009. During ground testing of the Urine Processing Assembly (UPA), one of two primary component subsystems that comprise the WRS, significant fouling was repeatedly observed in stored urine pretreated with 0.56% of chromium trioxide and sulfuric acid. During initial observation, presumptive microbiological growth clogged and damaged flight-rated hardware under test as part of a risk-mitigation Flight Experiment (FE). The objective of this report is to characterize the extent of biological contamination in the pre-treated urine (pH<2) and to
Birmele, Michele, McCoy, LaShelle, Roman, Monsi, Roberts, Michael S.
A Sustainable Regolith-Based Water Recovery Concept for the Lunar Outpost2009-01-250307/12/2009
A long-term lunar outpost will require sustainable life support technologies that are capable of functioning for years with minimum resupply and maintenance. While life support resources such as water and air will remain in short supply, the availability of gravity, energy, and natural resources on the lunar surface allow for innovation in the design of outpost technologies, potentially including the adoption of terrestrial technologies previously not feasible for short duration microgravity flight. One technology with potential for such innovation is the water recovery system. Current spacecraft water recovery systems rely on oxidizing pretreatment chemicals to stabilize wastewater, as microgravity compatible distillation or filtration systems are prone to fouling and failure. Instead, the lunar outpost may consider using simple and robust terrestrial technologies such as media filters and solar disinfection, and distillation to recover water, taking advantage of the ready
Thomas, Evan A., Leidich, Jared, Klaus, David M.
Creating a Lunar EVA Work Envelope2009-01-256907/12/2009
A work envelope has been defined for weightless Extravehicular Activity (EVA) based on the Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), but there is no equivalent for planetary operations. The weightless work envelope is essential for planning all EVA tasks because it determines the location of removable parts, making sure they are within reach and visibility of the suited crew member. In addition, using the envelope positions the structural hard points for foot restraints that allow placing both hands on the job and provides a load path for reacting forces. EVA operations are always constrained by time. Tasks are carefully planned to ensure the crew has enough breathing oxygen, cooling water, and battery power. Planning first involves computers using a virtual work envelope to model tasks, next suited crew members in a simulated environment refine the tasks. For weightless operations, this process is well developed, but planetary EVA is different and no work envelope has been
Griffin, Brand Norman, Howard, Robert, Rajulu, Sudhakar, Smitherman, David
Hardware/Software Complex of Crew's Service of the Regeneration Life Support System Operation: Formation and Localization of Off-nominal Situations2009-01-255107/12/2009
The problems formation and localization of Off-nominal Situations (OnS) on an Hardware/Software Complex of Crew's Service of the Regeneration Life Support System Operation (HSCCSO) are considered in this paper both at functions separate system and at deviations of crew's inhabitancy controllable parameter values. The HSCCSO is developed for the first ground long-term experiment under ‘Mars - 500’ project. The purpose of this paper is to examine HSCCSO taking into consideration the key of the future mission to Mars (extremely long duration, autonomy, complicated communication peculiarities with the ground Mission Control Center (MCC) because of signal delay, and limited stock of expendables). It is planned to simulate off-nominal and emergency situations caused by failures of on-board LSS and/or the human factor: insufficient crew efficiency, degraded professional reliability and soon. The special attention is given problems of the OnS formation probable under operation system in the
Kurmazenko, Eduard A., Gavrilov, Lev I., Tomashpolskiy, Mikhail Ju., Kochetkov, Aleksey A., Khabarovskiy, Nicolay N., Dokunin, Ivan V., Kamaletdinova, Guzel P.
Outline of Material Circulation — Closed Habitation Experiments Conducted in 2005 – 2007 Using Closed Ecology Experiment Facilities2009-01-258007/12/2009
The Closed Ecology Experiment Facilities (CEEF) were installed to collect data for estimation of transfer of radionuclides from atmosphere to humans in the ecosystem. The first target among the radio-nuclides is 14C. In order to validate function of material circulation in an experimental system constructed in the CEEF, circulation of air constituents, water and materials in waste was demonstrated connecting the Closed Plant Experiment Facility (CPEF) and the Closed Animal and Human habitation Experiment Facility (CAHEF) of the CEEF, since 2005 to 2007. The CPEF has a Plant Cultivation Module (PCM), which comprises of three plant chambers illuminated solely by artificial lighting, one plant chamber illuminated by both natural and artificial lighting, a space for preparation, and an airlock, and a physical/chemical material circulation system. The CAHEF has an Animal keeping and Human habitation Module (AHM), which is comprised of an animal room, a habitation room, a closed corridor, an
Tako, Yasuhiro, Masuda, Tsuyoshi, Tsuga, Sho-ichi, Arai, Ryuji, Komatsubara, Osamu, Nozoe, Susumu, Aibe, Youichi, Shinohara, Masanori, Suzuki, Manami, Ishioka, Masanao, Abe, Koichi, Ishikawa, Yoshio, Nitta, Keiji, Sakurai, Masato
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