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This paper describes an evolutionary method of technology integration for the development of a Lunar base life support system. The baseline is a partially-closed Regenerative Life Support System (RLSS) based upon Space Station Freedom physicochemical technology. The paper describes the stepwise evolution of this baseline system into a closed-loop, Lunar base Controlled Ecological Life Support System (LCELSS), a hybrid design which incorporates both physicochemical and bioregenerative technologies. The steps taken in the evolutionary process are derived from a rationale which addresses: 1) the incorporation of specific bioregenerative functions into the life support system, 2) the supplementation of specific physicochemical functions with bioregenerative systems, 3) the replacement of initial physicochemical technologies with more advanced technologies, and 4) the addition of new physicochemical technologies.

Future manned habitats for a Lunar outpost or Martian base will require increased levels of self-sufficiency over Space Station Freedom to reduce the high costs and complexities of resupplying expendables, such as food for the crew. By growing food at these remote sites, not only will self-sufficiency be greatly increased, but significant benefits for crew life support will also be realized. Higher plants, such as those grown typically for food, are capable of consuming carbon dioxide (CO2), producing oxygen (O2), and reclaiming water (H2O) via transpiration. At NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, the Regenerative Life Support Systems (RLSS) Test Bed project will use higher plants grown in a closed, controlled environment in conjunction with physicochemically-based life support systems to create an integrated biological/physicochemical RLSS.

For long-duration space explorations such as the advanced manned missions to the moon and Mars, optimized environmental conditions are essential. This approach will not only maximize the efficiencies of the crew and other systems, but also minimize the requirements for power, weight, volume and expendables. Life Systems, working with NASA-JSC, has been investigating ways to apply various physical, chemical and electrochemical methods for this purpose.(1)*

For future extended duration, manned missions, development of life support systems that require minimum expendables, power, weight and volume are essential. The ability to produce useful materials with minimum processing by using metabolic and life support byproducts is also of great importance. Life Systems, working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Johnson Space Center, has been investigating various combinations of physical, chemical, electrochemical and biological methods for this purpose. (I)* This paper describes a closed ecosystem air revitalization concept, called a Hybrid Air Revitalization System, that uses higher plants in a plant habitat for removing metabolic carbon dioxide and moisture for their photosynthesis while producing oxygen and supplemental food for crew consumption.

New goals set for the U.S. space program focus on reestablishing the human presence on the Moon and sending the first manned mission to Mars in the beginning of the 21st century. The necessary first step in the support of these goals is identifying requirements that drive the development of new technologies. Since extravehicular activity (EVA) will be an integral part of the establishment of both a lunar base and the exploration of the martian surface, this is an area where specific requirements for the EVA systems need to be determined. EVA on the lunar and martian surfaces presents unique conditions in which an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) must operate. These conditions include environmental factors such as partial gravity, dust, thermal gradients, atmospheric conditions, lighting, and radiation.