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Design concepts for the International Space Station Water Processor (WP) will be validated as discrete flight experiments on-board the Space Shuttle Spacehab. This paper summarizes the results of a study into sample stability within a modified Teflon cell culture bag assembly to support an upcoming Spacehab evaluation of the WP Volatile Removal Assembly (VRA). Results indicate that a lack of adequate preservation results in significant sample analyte degradation over the course of 2-3 week due to increased microbial activity. Results were utilized for the definition of an optimal preservation approach based on the anticipated VRA Flight Experiment samples.

Hamilton Standard Space Systems International, Inc. (HSSSI) has obtained and is currently testing a variety of Russian life support hardware. These units have been or are contemplated for use on Mir I and II space stations. This paper presents the current status of performance testing of a Sabatier Carbon Dioxide Processing Unit (CDPU) and components of a Potable Water Processing System (PWP). These systems were fabricated by NIICHIMMASH, the supplier of these units to the Russian space program. It is the intent of this testing program to obtain a data base for technology comparisons to support planned and future international missions. For the CDPU, reactant conversion efficiencies in excess of 99 percent have been noted for the variation in test conditions with 2 to 6 man processing (flows) tested. The CDPU's effluent water has been produced at anticipated rates and is relatively contaminant free.