Evaluation of the Accumulation of Foreign Object Debris in the International Space Station Ventilation Systems and Resulting Impacts to Systems

A challenge for the International Space Station (ISS) is accumulation of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) and the impacts to crew, equipment, and experiments. One function of the temperature and humidity control system is to capture FOD with various methods of filtration to minimize these impacts. ISS filtration has been augmented by charcoal filters and screens. A qualitative comparison of the quantity of FOD found over the years and the current levels are evaluated. Impacts to FOD are crew time for cleaning, reduction of equipment life, and component damage and examples are provided. Recommendations for further improvements to reduce the accumulation of FOD on ISS is provided.