GCMS water testing and results from the MSFC Environmental Chamber

Recent efforts at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have culminated in the design and construction of a water-sampling module that enables both water and gas samples to be analyzed with a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS). This water module is purpose-built for space exploration missions with specific design criteria in mind, and includes long-duration operation, micro-gravity compatibility, and small sample size to minimize impact on in situ resources. A GCMS prototype based on the Vehicle Cabin Air Monitor was constructed and equipped with one such water sampling module to undergo testing at the Environmental Chamber at Marshall Space Flight Center. This testing involved simulation of three crew members over the span of a week while sampling water from the Environmental Chamber's humidity condensate at 1.6 hour intervals. During this testing, a precise injection of several select chemicals was made into the chamber's air system to simulate an event. This simulated event combined with persistent water monitoring with the GCMS reveal both the time scale and extent of water uptake of air- borne contaminants. Results of this testing and analysis are presented herein.