ECLSS Regenerative Systems Comparative Testing and Subsystem Selection

In support of Space Station Freedom Phase C/D Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) regenerative systems development, comparative testing was performed on predevelopment hardware of competing technologies for each regenerative function. This testing was conducted by The Boeing Aerospace and Electronics Company (BAE) at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) from late 1989 through early 1990. The purpose of the test program was to collect data on latest generation hardware in order to make final technology selections for each subassembly in the oxygen recovery and water reclamation strings. This paper discusses the testing performed, test results, and evaluation of these results relative to subsystem selections for CO₂ reduction, O₂ generation, potable water processing, hygiene water processing, and urine processing.