Trace Contaminant Control Design Considerations for Enabling Exploration Missions

Trace contaminant control (TCC) is a vital component for enabling future crewed exploration missions. Active TCC equipment design precedes detailed knowledge of loads within the bounds established by air quality standards. These standards include individual contaminant long-term exposure limits as well as standards for minimizing human health effects that may result from a contaminant mixture. The impact on TCC equipment design associated with specifying individual contaminant and contaminant mixture air quality standards are explored. Observations from trace contaminant control equipment operation aboard the International Space Station (ISS) assist with defining TCC equipment design loads and developing equipment architecture. Testing results from integrated testing of a candidate TCC equipment architecture are presented and recommendations for future development are discussed.