Functional Interface Considerations within an Exploration Life Support System Architecture

As notional life support system (LSS) architectures are developed and evaluated, myriad options must be considered pertaining to process technologies, components, and equipment assemblies. Each option must be evaluated relative to its impact on key functional interfaces within the LSS architecture. A leading notional architecture has been developed to guide the path toward realizing future crewed space exploration goals. This architecture is described and its developmental status is summarized. Important interfaces within the architecture are discussed and the role of environmental monitoring within the architecture is described. A preliminary hazard analysis of the architecture is also presented.