Investigation into Venting and Non-venting Technologies for the Space Station Freedom Extravehicular Activity Life Support System

During the continuing effort to design the Space Station Freedom extravehicular activity (EVA) life support system, NASA has extensively researched and evaluated venting and non-venting technologies. In conducting this study, NASA has concentrated on a system-level approach that emphasizes on-orbit regeneration capabilities, minimization of expendables, minimal on-orbit maintenance requirements, a four to eight hour EVA capacity, and a system weight and volume close to the Space Shuttle unit. This paper will describe various venting and non-venting technologies and review the estimated weights and volumes for the options on a component and system level. At this time, a final design concept for the Space Station extravehicular mobility unit has not been chosen.