Browse Topic: Life support systems

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In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Methylotrophic Microorganisms Expressing Soluble Methane Monooxygenase ProteinsTBMG-358121/1/2020
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.
Carbon Capture Process Makes Sustainable OilTBMG-3570312/1/2019
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-347627/1/2019
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-346366/1/2019
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)11/2/2018
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-3311010/1/2018
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-328439/1/2018
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-297257/1/2018
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-290516/1/2018
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.
Vibration Rating of Medical HelicoptersF-0074-2018-127555/14/2018
ABSTRACT Helicopter Emergency and Medical Service (HEMS) requires a specially designed cabin interior that can transport patients quickly to a full capacity hospital. During the transportation, a medical crew sustains the health condition of the patients using life-support equipments, hence the quality and safety of the service may depend on the vibratory level experienced by patients and crew. However, the bare dynamical response of the airframe can lead to erroneous evaluation of vibratory level and exposure. In fact crew, patients and medical equipments, ı.e. subjects of HEMS, dynamically interact with the helicopter through interfaces such as seats, handles, stretchers and flexible supports. For this reason, the design of a low vibration HEMS vehicle requires numerical analysis of the coupled helicopter-interface-subject system, and the capability to effectively and efficiently run the analysis for a large set of possible configurations to achieve optimal positioning. A viable tool should be able to formulate high-fidelity rotorcraft aeroservoelasticity, easily connect additional dynamical systems representing the dynamics of human and equipment and their interfaces, and calculate the vibration performance of the resulting models. This work presents an effective way of evaluating the vibratory performance of medical helicopters. The approach is illustrated on a medium weight helicopter by adding dynamical models of a human resting on a seat, a recumbent person lying on a stretcher, and medical equipment mounted on flexible supports at its ends.
Tamer, Aykut, Muscarello, Vincenzo, Masarati, Pierangelo, Quaranta, Giuseppe
Printing Ink Removes Oxygen in Sealed PackagesTBMG-288525/1/2018
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-250027/1/2016
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-221986/1/2015
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-214182/1/2015
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-202648/1/2014
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-360938/1/2014
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-192433/1/2014
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 investigations by contaminating the area as it is sublimated from the life support system for heat rejection.
Advanced Hybrid Spacesuit Concept Featuring Integrated Open Loop and Closed Loop Ventilation SystemsTBMG-1875412/1/2013
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.
NASA Announces 2012 Inventions of the YearTBMG-166126/1/2013
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-164545/1/2013
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-1509711/1/2012
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-140657/1/2012
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-138966/1/2012
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-104887/7/2011
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-871511/1/2010
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.
Microwave Plasma Hydrogen Recovery SystemTBMG-84848/31/2010
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-81727/1/2010
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-78635/1/2010
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.
Fine-Water-Mist Multiple-Orientation-Discharge Fire ExtinguisherTBMG-66791/1/2010
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-66731/1/2010
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-651011/1/2009
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.
Crew Life Support System for Interplanetary Vechicles2009-01-24647/12/2009
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 via two cables: a power cable and an aboard information network communication cable; ◦ development of intelligent systems for identification and issue instructions to the crew as to isolation of off-normal situations (faults) to enhance survivability and reduce substantially the crew's working time spent on LSS operation. It is demonstrated that the solution of this problem enables building the advanced LSS ACS suitable for implementation of various space programs.
Zaretskiy, B. F., Gavrilov, L. I., Kurmazenko, E. A.
An Optimum Biological Reactor Configuration for Water Recycling in Space2009-01-25647/12/2009
Biological pre-treatment of early planetary/lunar base wastewater has been extensively studied because of its predicted ability to offer equivalent system mass (ESM) savings for long term space habitation. Numerous biological systems and reactor types have been developed and tested for treatment of the generally unique waste streams associated with space exploration. In general, all systems have been designed to reduce organic carbon (OC) and convert organic nitrogen (ON) to nitrate and/or nitrite (NOx -). Some systems have also included removal of the oxidized N in order to reduce overall oxygen consumption and produce additional N2 gas for cabin use. Removal of organic carbon will generally reduce biofouling as well as reduce energy and consumable cost for physiochemical processors. The focus of this paper is to compare the performance achieved by several biological systems as well as their volumetric loading capacities in order to assess the overall efficacy of biological pre-treatment and aid in the selection of optimal bioreactor systems.
Jackson, W. Andrew, Morse, Audra, Landes, Nick, Low, Darryl
Human-rating Automated and Robotic Systems — How HAL Can Work Safely with Astronauts2009-01-25277/12/2009
Long duration human space missions, as planned in the Vision for Space Exploration, will not be possible without applying unprecedented levels of automation to support the human endeavors. The automated and robotic systems must carry the load of routine “housekeeping” for the new generation of explorers, as well as assist their exploration science and engineering work with new precision. Fortunately, the state of automated and robotic systems is sophisticated and sturdy enough to do this work — but the systems themselves have never been human-rated as all other NASA physical systems used in human space flight have. Our intent in this paper is to provide perspective on requirements and architecture for the interfaces and interactions between human beings and the astonishing array of automated systems; and the approach we believe necessary to create human-rated systems and implement them in the space program. We will explain our proposed standard structure for automation and robotic systems, and the process by which we will develop and implement that standard as an addition to NASA's Human Rating requirements. Our work here is based on real experience with both human system and robotic system designs; for surface operations as well as for in-flight monitoring and control; and on the necessities we have discovered for human-systems integration in NASA's Constellation program. We hope this will be an invitation to dialog and to consideration of a new issue facing new generations of explorers and their outfitters.
Baroff, Lynn, Dischinger, Charlie, Fitts, David
Characterization of Microbial Contamination in Pretreated Urine Collected from the ISS Urine Processing Assembly during Ground Testing2009-01-24217/12/2009
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 isolate and identify any fungi or bacteria capable of growth at pH<2.5 in the presence of chromium trioxide. This data will be used to quantify the potential risk of microbial growth in pre-treated wastewater on orbit, and to identify the microbial control strategies necessary to prevent microbiologically induced damage to Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) system hardware used for water recovery. Cultivation and molecular based methods were used to recover viable microorganisms and DNA from pretreated urine samples and to determine total cell density by direct microscopic count. Total cell density in the urine quantified by microscopic observation revealed >105 cells per milliliter. Multiple selective media were used to recover bacteria and fungi from pretreated urine samples. DNA was extracted and purified from viable microorganisms recovered on solid media, amplified and sequenced to provide sequence-based species identification of recovered bacteria and fungi. In addition, total DNA recovered directly from pretreated urine samples was assayed by Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (TRFLP) to profile fungal populations that could not be cultivated on selected agar media. TRFLP fungal profiling identified the presence of DNA from five different fungi in the fungal mat community recovered from the UPA in ground test. A single fungal species was recovered from the fungal mat on selective media and typed by sequence-based identification as Cladosporium cladosporiodes. A single bacterial species was recovered on selective media from the pretreated urine and identified as Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus. Both microorganisms are routinely isolated as environmental air contaminants, but their growth at low pH in the presence of chromium trioxide has not been confirmed. Based on relative biomass, fungal growth was the primary factor contributing to biofouling and damaged hardware in the UPA.
Birmele, Michele, McCoy, LaShelle, Roman, Monsi, Roberts, Michael S.
Creating a Lunar EVA Work Envelope2009-01-25697/12/2009
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 defined. The primary difference between weightless and planetary work envelopes is gravity. It influences anthropometry, horizontal and vertical mobility, and reaction load paths and introduces effort into doing “overhead” work. Additionally, the use of spacesuits other than the EMU, and their impacts on range of motion, must be taken into account. This paper presents the analysis leading to a concept for a planetary EVA work envelope with emphasis on lunar operations. There is some urgency in creating this concept because NASA has begun building and testing development hardware for the lunar surface, including rovers, habitats and cargo off-loading equipment. Just as with microgravity operations, a lunar EVA work envelope is needed to guide designers in the formative stages of the program with the objective of avoiding difficult and costly rework.
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 Situations2009-01-25517/12/2009
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 conditions of long-term autonomy manned flight, and their localization in the conditions of the restricted interference of the Land Center of control of flight or at independent decision-making by crewmembers.
Kurmazenko, Eduard A., Gavrilov, Lev I., Tomashpolskiy, Mikhail Ju., Kochetkov, Aleksey A., Khabarovskiy, Nicolay N., Dokunin, Ivan V., Kamaletdinova, Guzel P.
Neck-Entry Suitports: A Novel Concept Utilizing Morphing Upper Torso Technology2009-01-25717/12/2009
This paper describes a unique concept for donning and doffing a spacesuit from a pressurized rover or habitat, which merges three independent concepts: suitports, neck-entry EVA suits, and the Morphing Upper Torso. The union of these concepts creates a novel and exciting suit and suitport system architecture, with many potential benefits over traditional suitport systems. To develop this concept, a neck-entry Morphing Upper Torso experimental model has been designed and fabricated, and systems level design studies have been performed, including visualization with the aid of CAD models of the neck-entry suitport on a small pressurized rover and a lunar habitat. As well, a donning test-station has been developed and used for experiments in 1-G, simulated microgravity and simulated partial gravity. In the partial-gravity experiments, test subjects wore a ballasting garment underwater to simulate the 1/6 gravity lunar environment, and then attempted to ingress and egress through the donning test-station. A mockup suit was designed and built to replicate the geometric features of a pressurized EVA suit attached to a suitport. The dimensions of the torso were chosen to match the expanded state of the Morphing Upper Torso. The geometry, position and angle of the neck-ring, as well as the relative heights of the suit and the donning stand, were adjusted to define a working baseline for the system and to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. Together with the CAD models and the experimental pressurized Morphing Upper Torso model, the experiments have shown that this concept should be considered for a future suitport and suit architecture, which could greatly simplify the suitport design, minimize volume needed within the rover or habitat, improve PLSS design and servicing, and simplify suit alignment with the suitport during egress from the suit.
Jacobs, Shane E., Di Capua, Massimiliano, Akin, David L.
Outline of Material Circulation — Closed Habitation Experiments Conducted in 2005 – 2007 Using Closed Ecology Experiment Facilities2009-01-25807/12/2009
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 airlock, and a physical/chemical material circulation system. During the material circulation experiments, two humans (called eco-nauts) stayed in the CEEF being isolated from the outside. In these experiments, 23 crops including rice, soybean, peanut, and sugar beet were cultivated in the PCM, and two goats stayed in the AHM. Almost all of the food consumed by the eco-nauts and the feed to the goats (straw, leaf and bran of rice, leaf and stem of soybean, and leaf, stem and shell of peanut) were produced from crops in the PCM. The oxygen added to the air in the PCM by photosynthesis of crops was separated and supplied to the air in the AHM. Increased carbon dioxide in the AHM atmosphere by respiration of eco-nauts and goats was separated and supplied back to the air in the PCM. In addition to food production and circulation of air, water circulation was also conducted in the CEEF in 2006 and 2007. In addition to them, waste processing and circulation of materials from the waste in the CEEF were also conducted in 2007. Closed habitation experiments in 2005, each lasting one week, were conducted three times. In 2006, although the eco-nauts changed by week, 2-week habitation was conducted three times. In 2007, 1-week, 2-week (two times) and 4week habitation were conducted. Data obtained in all of above experiments conducted in 2005–2007 will be also invaluable for examination and planning of human-in-loop systems necessary for independent long-term human living habitats such as lunar or Martian base.
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
A Sustainable Regolith-Based Water Recovery Concept for the Lunar Outpost2009-01-25037/12/2009
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 availability of lunar regolith, gravity, and solar energy. Therefore, rather than stabilizing wastewater such as urine for disposal, the wastewater could be encouraged to foul the media and form biofilms and precipitates that can then be filtered and the water reclaimed for future use.
Thomas, Evan A., Leidich, Jared, Klaus, David M.
Theoretical Analysis for Long-Term Space Life Support Reliability2009-01-24947/12/2009
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 analysis and modeling. The final conclusion can be formulated: certain balance between material circulation rate, mission development and LSS functioning uncertainty, and level of human control is required for overall mission reliability. Formula describing this conclusion quantitatively is provided.
Holubnyak, Yevhen, Rygalov, Vadim
The Effect of Center of Gravity and Anthropometrics on Human Performance in Simulated Lunar Gravity2009-01-25617/12/2009
The off-nominal center of gravity (CG) induced by the portable life-support system of Apollo astronauts had an impact on crewmembers' stability. Lack of stability is believed to have been a contributor to the falls and reduced performance experienced by the Apollo crewmembers. Work is being conducted at the NASA Johnson Space Center to assess how spacesuit CG location affects human performance in simulated lunar gravity. The results acquired to date have shown correlation between CG location and performance. The preliminary study presented in this paper also shows a correlation between subject trunk-to-height ratio and performance in reduced gravity, suggesting that human performance in reduced gravity may depend more on anthropometric proportions than on body segment lengths and mass/weight. The results of this study were intended to focus future detailed logistic regression analyses on potential anthropometric factors that may affect human performance in reduced gravity.
Mulugeta, Lealem, Chappell, Steven P., Skytland, Nicholas G.
Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes for Disinfection of Spacecraft Potable Water Systems2009-01-25087/12/2009
This report describes proof-of-concept testing of a commercial-off-the-shelf deep ultraviolet LED for future application as a point-of-use or residual disinfection device for spacecraft potable water systems. The electro-optical performance and disinfection efficacy of a 0.5 mW 265nm UV-C LED (UVTOP, Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc., Columbia, SC) was measured in both static and flow environments against five challenge microorganisms inoculated into potable water at an initial concentration ≥ 108 cells per milliliter. The germicidal irradiation from a single UV-C LED array was sufficient to effect > 4-log kill (> 99.99%) of the challenge bacterial population in < 60 minutes contact time.
Birmele, Michele, McCoy, LaShelle, Soler, Robert, Roberts, Michael S.
Results of the Trace Contaminant Control Trade Study for Space Suit Life Support Development2009-01-23707/12/2009
Designing the most effective and efficient life support systems is of extreme importance as the United States makes plans to return astronauts to the Moon. The Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS), which will be located within the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) of the Constellation spacesuit element (CSSE), is responsible for removing contaminants that, at increased levels, can be hazardous to crew member health. These contaminants arise from several sources including metabolic production of the crew member (e.g., breathing, sweating, etc.) and offgassing of the spacesuit material layers. This paper summarizes the results of a trade study that investigated TCC technologies that were used in NASA space-suits and vehicles, as well as commercial and academic applications, to identify the best technology options for the CSSE PLSS. The trade study also looked at the feasibility of regeneration of TCC technologies, specifically to determine the viability of vacuum regeneration for on-back, real-time extravehicular activity.
Paul, Heather L., Jennings, Mallory A.
Data Abstraction Architecture for Monitoring and Control of Lunar Habitats2009-01-24657/12/2009
A Lunar habitat will be highly sensored and generate large amounts of data or telemetry. For this data to be useful to humans monitoring these systems and to automated algorithms controlling these systems it will need to be converted into more abstract data. This abstracted data will reflect the trends, states and characteristics of the systems and their environments. Currently this data abstraction process is manual and ad hoc. We are developing a Data Abstraction Architecture (DAA) that allows engineers to design software processes that iteratively convert habitat data into higher and higher levels of abstraction. The DAA is a series of mathematical or logical transformations of telemetry data to provide appropriate inputs from a hardware system to a hardware system controller, system engineer, or crew. The DAA also formalizes the relationships between data and control and the relationships between the data themselves. We have connected our Data Abstraction Architecture to a simulation of a Lunar habitat in order to test its ability to aid in the monitoring and control functions.
Bell, Scott, Kortenkamp, David, Zaientz, Jack
Results of the Particulate Contamination Control Trade Study for Space Suit Life Support Development2009-01-23737/12/2009
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 the results of this trade study.
Cognata, Thomas J., Conger, Bruce, Paul, Heather L.
Laundry Study for a Lunar Outpost2009-01-25157/12/2009
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 clothing, proposed clothing supply rates, results of a trade-off study between disposable clothing and laundry, and suggestions for Constellation Program clothing.
Ewert, Michael K., Jeng, Frank F.
Incorporating Advanced Controls, Displays and other Smart Elements into Space Suit Design2009-01-24727/12/2009
The MX-2 neutral buoyancy space suit analogue has been designed and developed at the University of Maryland to facilitate analysis of space suit components and assessment of the benefits of advanced space suit technologies, The MX-2 replicates the salient features of microgravity pressure suits, including the induced joint torques, visual, auditory and thermal environments, and microgravity through the use of neutral buoyancy simulation. In this paper, design upgrades and recent operations of the suit are outlined, including many experiments and tests of advanced space suit technologies, This paper focuses on the work done using the MX-2 to implement and investigate various advanced controls and displays within the suit, to enhance crewmember situational awareness and effectiveness, and enable human-robotic interaction. An advanced interface has been built into the suit which includes a speech recognition system, augmented reality and several different displays, which provide information to the crewmembers through images which incorporate status updates, electronic checklists, diagrams, camera feeds, video, etc. This system allows the suit subject to choose the information on the displays using voice, as well as to control various robotic systems with voice commands. The system also provides auditory feedback. This hands-off, eyes-off interface could make future servicing tasks, such as satellite repairs or construction of structures in space or on the moon, simpler and more time-effective, reducing the demands on the EVA astronaut while taking advantage of the extensive benefits of human-robot teams. By significantly enhancing the capabilities of a suited astronaut, this system will enable astronauts on the surface of the Moon or Mars to explore more effectively, safely, efficiently, and autonomously. The system reduces reliance on external communications, which has the potential to reduce operational costs and crewmember workload.
Jacobs, Shane E., Di Capua, Massimiliano, Husain, Syed-Ali A., Mirvis, Adam, Akin, David L.
Altair Lander Life Support: Design Analysis Cycles 1, 2, and 32009-01-24777/12/2009
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 enough to develop that the mission can be ended safely before the situation becomes life threatening. These failures were then classified as LOM failures. Many different options to reduce each LOC risk were considered, and mass efficient solutions to the LOC problems were added to the vehicle design at the end of LDAC-2. In LDAC-3, the new design was analyzed for large contributors to the risk of LOM. To avoid ending the mission early or being unable to accomplish primary objectives like performing all planned extravehicular activities (EVAs), various options were assessed for risk reduction achieved and mass and power cost. This paper outlines the major assumptions, design features, and decisions related to the development of the life support system for the Altair project through LDAC-3.
Anderson, Molly, Curley, Su, Stambaugh, Imelda, Rotter, Henry
Development and Testing of a Sorbent-Based Atmosphere Revitalization System 2008/20092009-01-24457/12/2009
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.
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