NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Lunar Portable Life Support System Heat Rejection StudyPerforming extravehicular activity (EVA) at various locations of the lunar surface presents thermal challenges that exceed those experienced in space flight to date. The lunar Portable Life Support System (PLSS) cooling unit must maintain thermal conditions within the space suit and reject heat loads generated by the crewmember and the PLSS equipment. The amount of cooling required varies based on the lunar location and terrain due to the heat transferred between the suit and its surroundings. A study has been completed which investigated the resources required to provide cooling under various lunar conditions, assuming three different thermal technology categories: 1. Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator (SWME) 2. Subcooled Phase Change Material (SPCM) 3. Radiators with and without heat pumps Results from the study are presented that show mass and power impacts on the cooling system as a function of the location and terrain on the lunar surface. Resources (cooling equipment mass and consumables) are greater at the equator and inside sunlit craters due to the additional heat loads on the cooling system. While radiator and SPCM technologies require minimal consumables, they come with carry-weight penalties and have limitations. A wider investigation is recommended to determine if these penalties and limitations are offset by the savings in consumables.
Document ID
20080047740
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Conger, Bruce
(Jacobs Technologies Engineering Science Contract Group Houston, TX, United States)
Sompayrac,Robert G.
(Jacobs Technologies Engineering Science Contract Group Houston, TX, United States)
Trevino, Luis A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Bue, Grant C.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2009
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
09ICES-0311
JSC-CN-18001
JSC-CN-17417
Meeting Information
Meeting: 39th International Conference on Environmental
Location: Savannah, GA
Country: United States
Start Date: July 12, 2009
End Date: July 16, 2009
Sponsors: Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 903184.04.02.02.02
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available