Regenerative Life Support Systems: Modeling, Analysis, and Laboratory Development 941489

McDonnell Douglas Aerospace and Shimizu Corporation are jointly designing and laboratory testing critical elements of an integrated physical-chemical and biological regenerative life support system with food production. The primary target application is a manned lunar base. Component computer models for selected processing technologies have been developed and integrated into a detailed regenerative life support system computer model. The models are used for performing systems analysis. The component models include physical-chemical air revitalization and water recycling, physical-chemical and microbial waste treatment components, and plant growth units. Based on the component modeling and analysis, requirements have been identified for bioregenerative life support systems of decreased size and power consumption. These requirements in turn have been used to develop specific hardware design approaches, including microalgae-based gas regeneration and food production. Results of laboratory testing of these components and their performance characteristics are presented, along with an assessment of their potential role in our baseline regenerative life support system.