Space station environmental control and life support systems test bed program - An overview

The successful demonstration of the maturity of the regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) is an essential factor in the development of the Space Station. The present paper provides an overview of the Space Station ECLSS Test Bed Program, the mechanism by which the maturity of regenerative ECLSS technologies is demonstrated. Attention is given to the background regarding the ECLSS development, the purpose of the Space Station ECLSS Test Bed Program, the objectives of this program, the three facility elements of the ECLS Test Bed, the technical approach, the design support test phase, the testing of the Regenerative Life Support Equipment (RLSE) systems, advanced prototype testing, fallback testing, and the integrated test phase. The integrated test phase will provide the final demonstration of the regenerative ECLSS technology maturity.