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The prospect of using automatic control for astronaut thermal comfort regulation during extravehicular activity (EVA) requires an investigation of issues concerning the current state of the art of human thermal models. The analysis presented includes, but is not limited to, the discussion of assumptions and the accuracy, range and relative significance of parameters (e.g., thermal properties, physical dimensions, etc.) of transient human thermal models. The Wissler 1D model attracts primary consideration; however, there exists the appropriate inclusion of the 41-Node Man model for reflection and study.

This paper summarizes results from the first NASA Life Support Systems Analysis Workshop sponsored by the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology on June 24-27, 1991, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and provides a brief overview of the second workshop held May 12-14, 1992. The objectives of the workshops were to: 1) encourage communication in life support systems analysis among NASA, the aerospace industry, universities, and the chemical processing industry; 2) provide access and exposure to current NASA life support systems analysis efforts; 3) establish and provide results of the workshop sessions to NASA and the participants regarding future activities and directions for the development of life support systems analysis capabilities. The participants included representatives from NASA Headquarters and field centers, major aerospace companies, aerospace R&D and manufacturing companies, chemical processing companies, and universities.

To support manned lunar and Martian exploration, NASA/JSC and LESC are conducting an extensive evaluation of air revitalization subsystems. The major operations under study include regenerative CO2 removal and reduction; O2 and N2 production, storage, and distribution; humidity and temperature control; and trace contaminant control. This paper describes the ongoing analysis of air revitalization subsystems, including ASPEN PLUS™ modeling and breadboard test stand operation. A comprehensive analysis program based on a generalized block flow model is currently being developed to facilitate the evaluation of various processes and their interactions. Future plans for the development of this simulation will be discussed. ASPEN PLUS™ has been used to model a variety of the subsystems described above; application of this package in modeling CO2 removal and reduction will be discussed.

A National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) program has been completed which outlined an advanced missions Environmental Control/Life Support System (ECLSS) technology research and development (R&D) plan. The study defined the ECLSS requirements and ECLSS-related unique mission drivers (i.e., mission duration, crew size, etc.) of a broad range of advanced missions currently being considered by the NASA and recommended by the National Commission on Space. The existing ECLSS technologies were assessed and an evaluation was made to determine the potential application of the existing ECLSS technology to the requirements of the future missions. Technology needs were identified and an advanced missions ECLSS technology R&D plan was outlined.

With the advent of manned spacecraft opportunities requiring routine and complex extravehicular activities (EVA) a new concept for heat rejection is mandatory in order to realize maximum crewmember productivity. An optimum extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) thermal control system must be capable of successful operation without requiring expendables and without introducing contaminants into the environment, and be readily regenerable. This paper presents a regenerable non-venting thermal control subsystem requirements specification generated for a Shuttle-related EMU, identifies candidate concepts capable of fulfilling the requirements for each thermal control subsystem application, evaluates each candidate concept with respect to the subsystem requirements, and selects the best approach for each requirement.