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International Space Station (ISS) Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) On-Orbit Performance
Technical Paper
2004-01-2546
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
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English
Abstract
The Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) is an essential part of the International Space Station (ISS) environmental control and life support system. The analyzer provides continuous readout of the partial pressures of six gases, nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O) in the various ISS U.S. on-orbit modules. Continuous readout of the partial pressures of these gases is critical to verifying safe operation of the Atmosphere Revitalization (AR) system, Atmosphere Control System (ACS), and crew safety for Airlock Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). The MCA encountered some operational interruptions since being launched to orbit on Flight 5A in February 2001. Electronic, software, and hardware modifications and on-orbit crew maintenance of the MCA were necessary to restore its capability.
This paper describes the modifications and the on-orbit maintenance performed to return the MCA to operational status, including brief explanations of the MCA failures and the associated hardware and electronic modifications. Operational procedures that were required to return the MCA to operational status, and the more recent successes of supporting both Russian and U.S. ISS EVA preparations, are also discussed.
Citation
Reysa, R., Granahan, J., Steiner, G., Ransom, E. et al., "International Space Station (ISS) Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) On-Orbit Performance," SAE Technical Paper 2004-01-2546, 2004, https://doi.org/10.4271/2004-01-2546.Also In
References
- ‘ISS MCA Engineering, Operations and Maintenance Handbook’ Hamilton-Sundstrand Sensors Systems April 23 2002
- ‘On-Orbit Performance of the Major Constituent Analyzer’ Steiner George Edeen Marybeth Ransom Elizabeth Gentry Gregory SAE Paper 2002-01-2404 , 32nd International Conference on Environmental Systems July 15–18 2002 San Antonio, Texas
- ‘International Space Station (ISS) Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) System Equipment Failures, Causes, and Solutions February 2001–February 2002’ Gentry Gregory J. Reysa Richard P. Lewis John F. SAE Paper 2002-01-2495 , 32nd International Conference on Environmental Systems July 15–18 2002 San Antonio, Texas