ESA Academy | Slide 1 Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021 Presented by Technology to Support Human Space Physiology – Life Support Systems Dr BERNARD COMET (WITH DR LUCIE CAMPAGNOLO CONTRIBUTION) MEDES – Institute of Space Medicine and Physiology
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ESA Academy | Slide 1Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Presented by
Technology to Support Human Space Physiology – Life Support Systems
Dr BERNARD COMET (WITH DR LUCIE CAMPAGNOLO CONTRIBUTION)
MEDES – Institute of Space Medicine and Physiology
ESA Academy | Slide 2Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
A collaboration between
ESA Academy | Slide 3Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
ESA Academy | Slide 7Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
KEEPING HUMANS ALIVE AND HEALTHY:
Adverse Effects & Environmental Threats
ESA Academy | Slide 8Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Leaving the planet is only half the problem
• How to stay alive (and healthy) in a remote and artificial environment?
AIR WATER
FOOD WASTE
EN
VIR
ON
MEN
TAL C
ON
TRO
L
ESA Academy | Slide 9Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Earth Atmosphere
At Sea Level on Earth:
• 78.1% Nitrogen (N2)
• 20.9 % Oxygen (O2)
• 0.93 % Argon etc.. (Ar)
• Trace of Carbon Dioxide and Water
Total Pressure: 101 kPa
Human can survive in a wide range of atmospheric composition and pressures
ESA Academy | Slide 10Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Adverse Effects of Atmospheric Changes
Too High Too low
Total Pressure Change in biomolecularconformations and inactivation of critical Enzymes
Decompression SicknessEbullism (vaporization of Body Fluids < 6.27 kPa @37°C )
Oxygen - HyperoxiaInflammation of the bronchus,respiratory disturbances (decrease of lung vital capacity), heart symptoms, blindness, loss of consciousness …
- HypoxiaSleepiness, headache, loss of consciousness
Carbon Dioxide Headache, Nausea, Rapid Breathing, increase heart rate, Convulsion, loss of consciousness
Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
ESA Academy | Slide 11Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Oxygen Toxicity (Hyperoxia): Given Example of ISS & EVA
ESA Academy | Slide 12Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Artificial Atmosphere: Example of ISS
• 79% Nitrogen (N2), 21% Oxygen (O2)
• Carbon dioxide partial pressure with 6 crewmembers:
24hr average exposure: 5.3 mmHg
Peak exposure 7.6 mm Hg
• Trace gases: within SMAC values (spacecraft
maximum allowable concentrations)
• Pressure: 20.7 kPa<P≤103 kPa
• Microbial contamination
< 100 CFU/m3 for bacteria & Fungi
ESA Academy | Slide 13Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Water on Earth
Earth Standards against microbial and chemical contamination
Water is needed for
• Hydration
• Food and beverage rehydration
• Personal hygiene
• Medical use
etc…
In the US, the average water consumption is ~ 7 786 liter of water per person per day (data varying with methodology…)
ESA Academy | Slide 14Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Water in Space (ISS)
Manned spaceflights specifications:
• Minimum 4.5 L per crewmember per day
• Microbial contamination:
< 50 CFU/mL for total count and no coliforms in 100 mL
• Chemical contamination:
Table of allowed contaminants quantities (NASA Spacecraft Water Exposure Guidelines (SWEGs))
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ESA Academy | Slide 30Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Starting to close the Loop
Open: all consumables are used in open loop
Physico-chemical: Components based on physical and chemical processes only
Hybrid: Components based on physical, chemical and biological processes
Bioregenerative: Components based on biological processes only
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ISS: Starting to close the Loop (updated)
o2
CH4 & H2
+ trace contaminants
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Overboard Venting Mainly
CH4 & H2
+ trace contaminants
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CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSOCIATED CHALLENGES
How close are we to sustaining a human colony?
ESA Academy | Slide 34Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
ISS ECLSS
ISS is a test bench for technology demonstrations towards closed loop systems:
• The current ECLSS for the ISS recovers a significant amount of oxygen and water
• Space vehicle reaches the space station on average every month and 70% of these vehicles accommodate only resupply resources such as water, gas, and food
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ISS ECLSS(USOS: United States Orbital Segment)
ISS US Segment (L. Carter et al. 2016)
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Atmosphere Control and Supply (USOS)
Provides cabin atmosphere pressure control, overpressure relief, pressure equalization, rapid depressurization detection and response, nitrogen and oxygen distribution.
ESA Academy | Slide 37Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Atmosphere Control and Supply (ACS)
The current overall ISS air recovery rate is approx. 50%
Oxygen generation
• H2O electrolysis
• Oxygen supply (Cryogenic)
CO2 removal
• 4 beds molecular sieves
(microporous solid allowing O2 and N2) + desiccants
• CO2 dumped overboard
CO2 reduction
• Sabatier reactor (produces H2O and methane)
Forced air flow
• Ventilation system
• Air control and cleaning (trace and microbial contaminant)Oxygen Generation System in ISS
ESA Academy | Slide 38Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
ESA Academy | Slide 39Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Atmosphere Control and Supply (ACS)
The current overall ISS air recovery rate is approx. 50%
Oxygen generation
• H2O electrolysis
• Oxygen supply (Cryogenic)
CO2 removal
• 4 beds molecular sieves
(microporous solid allowing O2 and N2) + desiccants
• CO2 dumped overboard
CO2 reduction
• Sabatier reactor (produces H2O and methane)
Forced air flow
• Ventilation system
• Air control and cleaning (trace and microbial contaminant)Oxygen Generation System in ISS
ESA Academy | Slide 40Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Atmosphere Control and Supply (ACS)
CO2 reduction
• Sabatier reactor (produces H2O and Methane)
Credit: Gisella Detrell
ESA Academy | Slide 41Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Water Recovery and Management (USOS)
Supplies potable water, hygiene water, and water for payloads, as well as collects humidity condensate
ESA Academy | Slide 42Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Water Recovery and Management
• The current overall ISS water recovery rate is 88% (Walter F. Schneider et al. 2016), goal for exploration mission is 98% (Walter F. Schneider et al. Oct. 2018)
• On ISS, only Urine and Condensate are treated, urine brine is wasted
Water Tank supply
Water recovery « grey water »
Water Processor Assembly (filtration and high-temperature catalytic reactor)
Water recovery from « yellow water »• To be turned into grey water• Aggressive contaminant (urea can turn into
Ammonia)• Urine brine is not recycled
Urine Processor Assembly (Distillation and centrifuge) + Water Processor Assembly
ESA Academy | Slide 43Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
ESA Academy | Slide 44Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Waste and Food
Waste
• Solid waste is simply trashed in Cargos …
Food
• Food supply via Cargos
Veggie (NASA)
• Proof of concept for growing Lettucesin space
ESA Academy | Slide 45Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
ESA Academy | Slide 46Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Keep the resources produced safe
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Physico–chemical and Microbiological
Physico-chemical
• Temperature• Humidity• Pressure• Fire and
flammability risks • Toxicity
European asset: ANITA (Analysing Interferometer for Ambient Air) monitors 32 potential gaseous contaminants
Based on culture-based techniques (except for coliform detection in water)
Closed loop system cannot work without proper environmental control
Microbiological
• Bacteria & Fungi in Air, Water and on Surfaces
• Coliform detection in Water
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Microbial Contamination
Microbial contamination in a confined environment can induce:
• Risk for the crew health
• Risk of biodegradation of the equipment
• Risk of contamination of ECLSS
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Current Techniques and Mitigations
Air
Microbial Air Sampler (MAS)
Surface
Surface Sampling Kit (SSK)
MitigationDisinfection Wipes
MitigationFilters /POTOK technology
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Current Techniques and Mitigations
Air
Microbial Capture Device (MCD)
Water
Coliform detection bags
MitigationIodine
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Promising Technologies / Tech Demo
AquapadPaper-based culture
Microbial Monitoring SystemPCR
Biomolecular Sequencer MiniOn
ESA Academy | Slide 52Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Conclusion
• ECLSS (Environmental Control and Life Support Systems) have to be optimized with respect to the mission parameters
• Less than 90% of the available water and less than half of the potential oxygen that could be is actually recovered
• The water recovery system on ISS is limited to treating only urine and condensate, which is only about 20% of the potential waste stream on long duration exploration missions
• The reliance on expendable items like filters, and the complexities of the systems themselves, create a dependence on the re-supply of equipment and materials from Earth
• Closed-Loop systems are key issues for long duration spaceflights and exploration
• Closed-Loop systems cannot work without Environmental Control systems
ISS is a pillar to reach ECLSS closed loop objective: it provides a unique research environment to validate new technologies and to define new control strategies
ESA Academy | Slide 53Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021
Melissa Project: a bioregenerative closed-loop life support system
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Thank You!
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