New Developed Space Qualified ECLSS Products for the ISS

In the range of the Columbus Orbital Facility (COL) program, the European contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), DASA Dornier developed and qualified four new supporting devices for the Environmental Control and Live Support System (ECLSS) as listed below:

1. 1.
   The Vacuum & Venting Pressure Sensor (VVPS). Based on the Pirani principle, it utilizes the pressure dependence of the gas thermal conductivity.
2. 2.
   The Humidity Sensor (HS) provides information for the Thermal & Humidity Control System (THC). It works according to the dew point principle, guaranteeing a long stability over at least 10 years.
3. 3.
   The Air Flow Sensor (AFS), working according to the hot wire anemometer principle, is dedicated to identify low air flow conditions.
4. 4.
   The Waste Gas Line Shut-Off Valve (WLSOV), a DC motor driven ball type vacuum valve, was adapted to the space station requirements (e.g. noise and micro-g).

All equipment are derived from industrial standard products, selected for the high reliability, failure tolerance, etc. and adapted to the requirements for manned spaceflight application.

This paper will summarize the major technical performance and features of the hardware. In addition the status and some important issues on the qualification of this space hardware will be considered.