Integration of Regenerative ECLSS Functions in the International Space Station U.S. Laboratory Element

The International Space Station (ISS) program is implementing system architecture changes to integrate Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) functions, including urine processing, water processing, and oxygen generation, into the U.S. Laboratory element earlier in the ISS assembly sequence. The Regenerative ECLSS functions, originally not planned for operation aboard ISS until the launch of the Node 3 element in mid-2008, are now planned for launch on the ULF-2 flight in 2007 in order to provide early system operation and checkout. After the initial phase of operation in the U.S. Laboratory element, the Regenerative ECLSS hardware is planned to be transferred to Node 3 for permanent use in support of expanded ISS crews. Operation while in the U.S. Laboratory element requires both hardware and software architecture modifications in order to provide specific hardware interfaces, meet resource requirements, and provide command and control capability. By implementing an early operation and checkout phase for Regenerative ECLSS flight hardware, the ISS program is reducing risk by demonstrating hardware operation while enhancing on orbit ECLSS capabilities earlier in the assembly sequence and providing additional system redundancy.