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Regenerative processes for the air revitalization system of spacecraft atmosphere are essential for realization of long-term manned space missions. These processes include Oxygen (O2) Generation System (OGS) through water electrolysis. The authors have been studying O2 generation system of a new Solid Polymer Water Electrolyte (SPWE) with simplified cell structure since 1985. The initial study results until 1991 were presented in the 21st and the former International Conference on Environmental Systems shown in REFERENCE. This paper describes a follow-on study activity to OGS which focuses on the improvement of cell endurance performance and resource.

The preliminary design of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) has started in January 1990. As a result of the JEM configuration review activity which was focused on the development cost and schedule prior to getting into the preliminary design, a part of the JEM Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) functions was changed. This paper presents the JEM ECLS system baseline and the subsystem configuration at the start of the Phase C/D. Also the outline of the preliminary cabin air ventilation testing which started in March 1989 is described.

This paper outlines the current status of the preliminary design study of the Japanese Experimental Module (JEM) Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), one of the subsystems in JEM which is attached to the Space Station core. ECLSS functions to be provided are defined and identified based on the system requirements levied on JEM ECLSS. The design concepts for ECLSS function allocation between JEM and the SS core, and JEM ECLSS function/hardware distribution are also established. In addition, the issues and concerns related to the ECLSS interface between the SS core and JEM are introduced. The design approach emphasizes the JEM emergency system concept with respect to contamination control and monitoring and to fire detection and suppression, which must be standardized throughout all modules in SS.

As a result of the preliminary study for the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), the functions of the JEM ECLSS are defined as follows: atmosphere control and supply, temperature and humidity control (including intramodule and intermodule air ventilation), atmosphere revitalization (CO2 removal, contamination control and monitoring), fire detection and suppression, water management, and rescue provision, while the supply and recovery/processing of gas and water depend on the Space Station (SS) core ECLSS. Also, advanced technology developments for cabin air flow distribution system, regenerative CO2 removal system, gas/water separating system, etc. were performed.