An Optimization Framework to Design an Integrated ALSS

A life support system for manned space missions needs to meet the crewmember demands for the basic life support elements and it should process the loads (wastes) generated by the crewmembers. There are several technology options that can fulfill those requirements. Which technology to deploy, for which purpose, and at which stage of the station's evolution, is still an open question for the researchers. In this work, an optimization framework to determine the optimum technology list and the deployment schedule, given an objective such as minimum cost (ESM), for a manned space mission is proposed. The utilization of the framework is demonstrated by two example applications, Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) and Early Mars Base. The total ESM for the life support system predicted for the CEV mission is 595 kg for a crew of four for 14 days. The system favors supplying all the life support elements, such as oxygen, water and food, and storing all the wastes. For the Early Mars Base application, the overall life support system is completed in two separate launches. The total ESM for a 6.5 year Mars mission is 115,300 kg for a crew of six.