An overview of ISS ECLSS life testing at NASA, MSFC

Area of Science:

• Space Engineering
• Life Support Systems
• Environmental Science

Background:

• International Space Station (ISS) Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) components require long-range operational data beyond short-duration tests.
• Understanding component failure modes is critical for mission safety and longevity.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) initiated the ECLSS Life Test program to address this need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term performance and reliability of various ECLSS components.
• To identify and document operational problems and failure modes during extended testing.
• To gather data on water quality changes and microbial growth in simulated ISS water systems.

Main Methods:

• Life testing of key ECLSS assemblies including Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly (TCCS), Vapor Compression Distillation Urine Processor Assembly (VCD-UPA), Four-Bed Molecular Sieve Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (4BMS-CDRA), and Solid Polymer Electrolyzer Oxygen Generation Assembly (SPE-OGA).
• Conducting the Water Degradation Study to assess water quality under simulated pre-Water Recovery Management (WRM) conditions.
• Performing the Biofilm Life Test to examine microbial accumulation in a simulated ISS water delivery system.

Main Results:

• Completed life tests on multiple critical ECLSS subassemblies.
• Observed and documented major problems encountered during operational life tests.
• Gathered data on water degradation and biofilm formation relevant to ISS water systems.

Conclusions:

• The ECLSS Life Test program is essential for predicting the long-term operational viability of ISS life support systems.
• Identifying failure modes and degradation pathways allows for proactive mitigation strategies.
• Data from these tests informs the design and maintenance of future space life support technologies.