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Regenerative processes for the air revitalization system of spacecraft atmosphere are essential for realization of long-term manned space missions. These processes include Oxygen (O2) Generation System (OGS) through water electrolysis. The authors have been studying O2 generation system of a new Solid Polymer Water Electrolyte (SPWE) with simplified cell structure since 1985. The initial study results until 1991 were presented in the 21st and the former International Conference on Environmental Systems shown in REFERENCE. This paper describes a follow-on study activity to OGS which focuses on the improvement of cell endurance performance and resource.

Non-regenerative carbon dioxide (CO2) removal system, oxygen (O2) gas storage system, and other consumables have been utilized for the past short-term environmental control system on orbit because of the advantages of system weight, electric power consumption, system reliability, and so forth. However, to sustain long-term manned activity, regenerative resource recycle systems should be essential to reduce the quantity and frequency of resupply from the Earth. O2 generation system (OGS) is indispensable to this resource recycle systems and water electrolysis technology is considered to be suitable for near future space applications. The authors have been studying OGS since 1985 concerning a new solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) and simplified cell structure. This paper describes OGS development status and results of preliminary experiments.