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Integrating physicochemical and biological technologies into a regenerative life support system is a complex technical challenge. NASA recognizes that the depth and breadth of the challenge warrants a comprehensive investigation. NASA is implementing several ground-based projects to look at different systems integration issues. The combined efforts of these activities will enable NASA to develop regenerative life support systems for human exploration of the solar system in the 21st century. This paper provides an overview of NASA's overall approach to ground testing of integrated regenerative life support systems.

Performing checkout, servicing, and maintenance of an Extravehicular Activity System (EVAS) on board the Space Station presents several unique challenges. This paper reviews the progress that has been made in the initial effort to define, design, and develop a system that will perform this function. The need for rapid “turnaround” of the EVA capability has not been a significant requirement for the Shuttle program where EVA is only an occasional occurrence (two missions per year). Because of this in frequency and because reservicing is performed on the ground rather than on orbit, the current expenditure of approximately 3,000 manhours to process each Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) is acceptable. However, current estimates on the EVA frequency required to support Space Station operations is projected at twice weekly.