International Space Station as a Development Testbed for Advanced Environmental Control and Life Support Systems

Date

2019-07-07

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

49th International Conference on Environmental Systems

Abstract

Since the beginning of Human Spaceflight, mission durations have steadily increased. Current mission durations onboard the International Space Station are multiple months, but future exploration missions to cislunar space and beyond will require multiple year durations. In addition, missions to cislunar or deep space will encounter a much harsher environment than the current ISS low-Earth orbit missions, with relation to radiation, isolation, and lack of timely available support from Earth. To meet the challenges of deep space, so-called “exploration missions” will require Environmental Control and Life Support systems with higher performance, lower mass and logistics requirements, and more endurance than are possible with current operational systems on board the International Space Station. As a currently operational human-occupied platform, the International Space Station presents a unique opportunity to act as a testbed for development of advanced next-generation Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, such that these systems may be tested, proven, and refined for eventual deployment on deep space human exploration missions.
This paper will outline the history, progress to date, and future plans for efforts to design, select, build, test and fly Advanced Environmental Control and Life Support Systems on the International Space Station.

Description

Laura Shaw, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), USA
ICES506: Human Exploration Beyond Low Earth Orbit: Missions and Technologies
The 49th International Conference on Environmental Systems as held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA on 07 July 2019 through 11 July 2019.

Keywords

Exploration, Station, Environmental Control, Cislunar, Deep Space

Citation