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To anticipate future long-duration mission needs for life support sensors, we explored the feasibility of using thin-film metal-oxide semiconductors. The objective of this task was to develop gas sensors for life support applications which would be suitable for long-duration missions. Metal oxides, such as ZnO, SnO2, and TiO2 have been shown to react with oxygen molecules. Oxygen lowers the metal oxide's electrical resistance. Critical to the performance is the application of the oxide in a thin film on an inert substrate: the thinner the film, the more readily the oxygen penetration and hence the more rapid and sensitive the sensor. Metal oxides are not limited to oxygen detection, rather, oxides offer detection and quantification applications to the complete range of gases of interest, not only for life support systems, but for propellants as well.

Human performance is the essential element of manned space flight. Manned space flight need not exist were robots or other devices sufficient to accomplish our specific goals in space. However, we know that humans are required for certain tasks, and we also know that the costs associated with humans in space are high. Therefore, anything which can be done to lower costs and improve human performance without jeopardizing safety are in the best interests of manned space flight. We advocate the use of simulations, not only to prepare and train for mission operations, but to analyze and improve the Human Factors aspect of space systems design. We herein describe the steps necessary to create these simulations and the anticipated benefits.

Tests using the Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) techniques showed this approach to be a relatively simple and rapid method for assessing the affinity of trace contaminants for a solid amine, CO2 sorbent. Regenerative CO2 sorbents are applicable to many space systems air revitalization applications for removal of CO2. Sorbents may be chemically non-specific as regards reversible adsorption-desorption, chemicals other than CO2 can be regeneratively removed from spacecraft air. These other chemicals, present in trace amounts, may also interfere with the primary CO2 removal function. TGA test procedures were developed to determine adsorption-desorption behavior of trace contaminants on a regenerative solid amine sorbent: Hamilton Standard, material - C (HS-C).

A life support system capable of sustaining crew members in an isolated, hostile environment has been designed, fabricated and tested. This system's test was funded by Air Force Systems Command through the Ballistic Missile Office and was designed to demonstrate the technology of a deep underground, remote endurance operational control facility. The three month test involved operation of the habitat under varying external environments to assess the system response. The system design supported physiological requirements such as: recycling waste water, cleansing the atmosphere of internal as well as external contaminants, and providing for emergency operations. Crew members operated the system under simulated peacetime and endurance conditions in order to assess the livability and maintainability of the facility design.