International Space Station (ISS) Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) System Equipment Failures, Causes, and Solutions February 2001 - February 2002

The International Space Station (ISS) underwent a dramatic buildup in life support equipment since the delivery and activation of the U.S. Laboratory module in February 2001, followed by the Joint Airlock in July 2001.

Since Laboratory activation, several Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) equipment failures have occurred. This paper addresses these failures, occurring through February 2002, and, where known, the root causes, with particular emphasis on probable micro-gravity causes are highlighted. Impact to overall ISS operations and proposed or accomplished fixes also are discussed.