Design Status of the Closed-Loop Air Revitalization System ARES for Accommodation on the ISS

The Closed-Loop Air REvitalisation System ARES is a regenerative life support system for closed habitats. With regenerative processes the ARES covers the life support functions:

1. 1.
   Removal of carbon dioxide from the spacecraft atmosphere via a regenerative adsorption/desorption process,
2. 2.
   Supply of breathable oxygen via electrolysis of water,
3. 3.
   Catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide with hydrogen to water and methane.

ARES will be accommodated in a double ISPR Rack which will contain all main and support functions like power and data handling and process water management. It is foreseen to be installed onboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the Columbus Module in 2013. After an initial technology demonstration phase ARES shall continue to operate thus enhancing the capabilities of the ISS Life Support System as acknowledged by NASA [5]. Due to its regenerative processes ARES will allow a significant reduction of water upload to the ISS.

The ARES Technology Demonstrator Payload development started in 2003 with a Phase B, see references [1] to [3]. ARES is presently in Phase C1 to cover the design development activities until end of 2009. This paper summarizes the achieved status of design development and comprises an outlook on near-term development tasks in support of the disposition for a full phase C/D.