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The Flash Evaporator Subsystem (FES) provides active cooling for the Shuttle Orbiter vehicle during the ascent and re-entry phases of the flight and provides supplemental cooling to the radiators while on-orbit. This paper describes the design and operation of the FES and summarizes the operational flight experience to date. As the fleet of orbiters grows older, contamination and corrosion are two issues on which attention has focused. A discussion of these conditions and the subsequent design changes and operational workarounds will be summarized.

Performance Analysis and assessment of the airflow interchange system between the mated Space Shuttle Orbiter and International Space Station (ISS) is a vital task to ensure a successful completion of the ISS assembly missions. A multi-module mated air interchange system performance computer model was developed and upgraded for evaluating the atmospheric characteristics within each habitable volume on the Orbiter and all modules of the ISS. The results from this model can be utilized to assess and determine Orbiter's interchange airflow supply capabilities, develop mated air interchange system design limitations and requirements, and predict possible mated air interchange system operating constraints during the assembly missions. The results from this performance model were also used to ensure the air interchange system operation will meet the specific environmental requirements and interface hardware design constraints.

A multi-element fixed control volume air interchange system performance computer model was developed to evaluate the atmospheric characteristics within each crew chamber on the mated Orbiter/Mir-Station/Spacelab. This computer model was utilized to analyze and determine the Orbiter airflow supply capabilities, and to develop mated air interchange system design limitations and requirements. The results from this performance model were also used to predict possible air interchange system operating constraints, such as occupancy limitations in each chamber, during the Orbiter/Mir-Station docking mission. With minor modification, this model can also be used as a predictive tool for the analysis of future International Space Station Alpha (ISSA) mated air interchange system performance during the Orbiter/ISSA docking mission.