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NASA's next generation of space suit systems will place new demands on the pump used to circulate cooling water through the life support system and the crew's liquid cooling garment. Long duration missions and frequent EVA require increased durability and reliability; limited resupply mass requirements demand compatibility with recycled water, and changing system design concepts demand increased tolerance for dissolved and free gas and the ability to operate over a broader range of flow rates and discharge pressure conditions. This paper describes the development of a positive displacement prototype pump to meet these needs. A gerotor based design has been adapted to meet pump performance, gas tolerance, and durability requirements while providing a small, lightweight pump assembly. This design has been detailed and implemented using materials selected to address anticipated water quality and mission needs as a prototype unit for testing in NASA laboratories.

The International Space Station Alpha Electrical Power System has a thermal control system to remove heat from the batteries and power distribution electronics. A major subsystem of this thermal loop is the Pump and Flow Control Subassembly (PFCS) which functions as an ammonia fluid distribution and control subsystem. This paper will detail the development, construction and operational performances of the PFCS hydraulic elements operating with an ammonia fluid. These elements include flow meter, accumulator, flow control valve, and pumps. The electronics which are utilized to operate these hydraulic elements will also be described. The combination of these hydraulic and electronic elements form a subassembly to safely control a hazardous, low viscosity fluid.