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The International Space Station (ISS) uses high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to remove particulate matter from the cabin atmosphere. Known as Bacteria Filter Elements (BFEs), there are 13 elements deployed on board the ISS's U.S. Segment. The pre-flight service life prediction of 1 year for the BFEs is based upon performance engineering analysis of data collected during developmental testing that used a synthetic dust challenge. While this challenge is considered reasonable and conservative from a design perspective, an understanding of the actual filter loading is required to best manage the critical ISS Program resources. Thus testing was conducted on BFEs returned from the ISS to refine the service life prediction. Results from this testing and implications to ISS resource management are discussed. Recommendations for realizing significant savings to the ISS Program are presented.

The International Space Station (ISS) Temperature and Humidity Control/Intermodule Ventilation (THC/IMV) system for the U.S. Lab provides required cooling air for the U.S. Lab and also provides “parasitic” cooling air for Node 1 and its attached elements. This scheme provides cooled air from the Lab THC directly to Node 1 and also to elements attached to Node 1, at different stages of Space Station assembly. This paper reports on the results of Open Hatch ECLSS/ TCS Tests for International Space Station’s Lab Module. The hardware tested is referred to as proto-flight hardware. Upon satisfactorily passing these Open Hatch and later Closed Hatch, imposed ground based, proto-flight tests, the proto-flight hardware will become flight hardware. The Lab Module is scheduled for launch during late 1999. The particular ECLSS/TCS equipment discussed here are the Temperature Humidity and Control (THC) equipment and Intermodule Ventilation (IMV) equipment.

A considerable amount of integrated Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) analysis has been performed and documented for the proposed habitable Space Station. Earlier analytic activities have resulted in highly refined models simulating Temperature and Humidity Control (THC) and Atmosphere Revitalization (AR) hardware. As the mechanisms by which these items affect the Space Station environment have become better understood (along with the effects due to operation of various Man Systems utilities), the next stage of the integrated analysis task has been accomplished; i.e., the simulation of the Atmosphere Control and Supply (ACS) subsystem. The focus of the present paper is upon the ACS function in the overall life support system. Modeling of the ACS is unique among the life support disciplines in that it requires accurate representation of all other ECLSS subsystems that interact with the cabin atmosphere (which has now been achieved) in order to be realistic.

An advanced ECLSS Model has been developed using the G189A Environmental/Thermal Control and Life Support Systems Computer Program (1)* for simulating the atmospheric conditions on board Space Station Freedom. The model is similar in intent to that presented at the 1989 ICES Conference (SAE 891499) (2). However, significant changes have been applied to the previous model which allow for refined atmospheric simulation, while retaining the overall objective of avoiding rigorous models of individual components. The highlights of the advanced atmospheric model center around the inter-module linkage and ventilation, and the Atmosphere Revitalization System (ARS).

This paper contains a review of the requirements and design of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) for Space Station Freedom; a review of an ECLSS computer program model developed at Boeing for the complete configuration of pressurized elements or volumes; and some significant computed results from this model showing transient performance for subsystems responsible for Temperature and Humidity Control, Atmosphere Control and Supply, Air Revitalization, and Water Recovery and Management. The model referred to is a comprehensive ECLSS Model which has been developed using the G189A Environmental Control System simulation tool.(1)*. The development and potential application of the Model was presented at the 1989 ICES Conference (2). The Model has since been slightly revised and extensively operated, to obtain information regarding nominal and off-nominal ECLSS conditions onboard Space Station Freedom.