New ECLSS to be tested in 2022

[Mbhoward]

In the latest independent report https://www.ida.org/idamedia/Corporate/Files/Publications/STPIPubs/2019/D-10510.pdf performed to analyze NASAs readiness to perform a Mars mission by 2033, it highlighted many deficiencies, principle among them was the lack of an ECLSS system robust enough to last the entire 1,100 day mission to Mars and back. An ECLSS system that could perform the mission was considered at a low TRL.

The report went on to explain that “NASA plans to test an ECLSS with high oxygen reclamation rates on the ISS starting in 2022.” I’ve read through a number of the papers available on the NTRS but haven’t read anything specific on the new type of oxygen reclamation. Does this new system incorporate hydroponics in anyway? It seems it could dovetail nicely into a long duration mission and feeding the crew.

[flyright]

Interesting report. Nice to see a summary of all the technologies and the assesment of the TRLs and risks.

[DwightM]

After reading Scott Kelly's book, Endurance, this issue is certainly something I'm way more aware of.  I'm sure the crew's 2022 and on will appreciate the new system!

[russianhalo117]

In the latest independent report https://www.ida.org/idamedia/Corporate/Files/Publications/STPIPubs/2019/D-10510.pdf performed to analyze NASAs readiness to perform a Mars mission by 2033, it highlighted many deficiencies, principle among them was the lack of an ECLSS system robust enough to last the entire 1,100 day mission to Mars and back. An ECLSS system that could perform the mission was considered at a low TRL.

The report went on to explain that “NASA plans to test an ECLSS with high oxygen reclamation rates on the ISS starting in 2022.” I’ve read through a number of the papers available on the NTRS but haven’t read anything specific on the new type of oxygen reclamation. Does this new system incorporate hydroponics in anyway? It seems it could dovetail nicely into a long duration mission and feeding the crew.

Based on current schedules the New ECLSS rack(s) will likely launch to ISS on HTV-X2 which is scheduled for 2022 launch. Could also launch on HTV-X1 which is currently slated for Q4 2021.

[Mbhoward]

After reading Scott Kelly's book, Endurance, this issue is certainly something I'm way more aware of.  I'm sure the crew's 2022 and on will appreciate the new system!

I'm sure they would as well. I found it interesting with all the items that need to planned and built, the study highlighted, repeatedly, the need for more studies on human health issues. The big hardware items get the most attention (Gateway, DST, etc) in press releases while other items are barely talked about. ECLSS is one of those items.

It seems there is a determined shift for the ISS and other space based vehicles to move to a more closed-loop system that includes retaining existing physical/chemical solutions but incorporating a strong bioregenerative element. The goals up to this point include making the ECLSS system more modular, to allow for greater scalability and flexibility, but systems remain focused on short term missions. Expanding the brine recovery to include more water reclimation and free up the chemicals contained within, play into the expansion of hydroponic goals for extended missions.

Interesting report. Nice to see a summary of all the technologies and the assesment of the TRLs and risks.

Agreed. In the report's conclusion there are three high level recommendations, the first two are broad policy and structure of a Mars program, but the third zeros in on human health studies.
"We recommend giving human health research a first-order priority in mission planning for the ISS, Gateway and Moon between now and 2037, creating a systematic research plan that addresses synergistic risks of long-duration missions outside of LEO, and emphasizing human research on topics that focus on overall crew health and survival during missions."
It seems with the ISS, we have a good chance to perform these kind of studies and shift the focus of ECLSS to longer term missions.

Based on current schedules the New ECLSS rack(s) will likely launch to ISS on HTV-X2 which is scheduled for 2022 launch. Could also launch on HTV-X1 which is currently slated for Q4 2021.

Great to read! Thanks for the update.