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This paper presents the status of ongoing BB studies for an optimized trace gas monitoring (TGM) system configured to simultaneously and quasi-online detect (quantitatively and qualitatively) 30 different trace gases in manned spacecraft. The system principle relies on the detection of molecule absorption lines in the infrared being converted into a measured spectrum by a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer. The work is based on 10 years study phases aiming now towards performance demonstration on unknown gas mixtures and an in-flight demonstration on Space Shuttle or ISS. The theoretical background, sensor combinations, SW principle descriptions and multi-module monitoring strategies have been reported earlier (please refer to reference [1] - [4], [6]).

In this paper, an advanced trace gas monitoring system for manned space cabins is presented. The principle of functioning of the measurement system is based on the detection of gas-specific absorption features in the Infrared area of the spectrum. The core element in the monitoring system is a Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer. When calibration is carried out applying sophisticated, novel analysis methods, the system can simultaneously detect and quantify all the interesting gases in manned space cabins. In a previous Trace Gas Monitoring multi-phase program (TGM 2) [1],[2], the FTIR technology has demonstrated its ability to handle multi-component, quasi on-line gas measurements, including identification and quantification of 23 important trace gases in a mixture. In the ongoing phase 3 (TGM 3), initiated end of 1997 [3], a fully operational FTIR technology demonstration model is tested being able to detect simultaneously 30 different trace gases in a mixture.

An advanced trace gas monitoring system for long duration manned space missions - such as the International Space Station - is discussed. The system proposed is a combination of a Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and a distributed ‘Smart Gas Sensor system (SGS). In a running multi-phase programme [1,2] the FTIR technology, applying novel analysis methods, has been demonstrated to handle multi-component gas measurements, including identification and quantification of 20 important trace gases in a mixture. In the current phase 3, initiated end of 1997, a fully operational FTIR technology demonstration model will be manufactured and tested. The SGS consists of an array of twenty electrically conductive polymer sensors supplemented with an array of quartz crystal microbalance sensors. The technology has been tested on the Russian MIR space station and is currently miniaturized into a second-generation flight model.

The COLUMBUS pressurized modules APM and PM2 are designed for a useful lifetime of 30 years. The APM, which forms part of the International Space Station, will be permanently manned with a 3-men-crew. The PM2, which is the pressurized module of the Men-Tended-Free-Flyer (MTFF) will be manned for the servicing period of 10 days followed by a 180-day unmanned period. In order to protect the crew from contamination by hazardous substances, which may be present in the cabin air, effective contamination management is required. This consists of a contamination monitoring system to detect and measure trace gases in the cabin atmosphere, and a contamination control system to be able to maintain the concentration of each potential contaminant below the maximum allowable concentration.