Environmental Control and Life Support System
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- The ECLSS consists of atmosphere and water treatment and thermal
systems.
- Crew Compartment Cabin Pressurization
- The cabin is pressurized to 14.7 psia and maintained at an average
80-percent nitrogen and 20-percent oxygen mixture by the air revitalization
system.
- Cabin Air Revitalization
- There are five independent air loops in the cabin.
- Water Coolant Loop System
- The WCLS provides thermal conditioning of the crew cabin by collecting
heat at a heat exchanger and transferring it to the water coolant
loops.
- Active Thermal Control System
- The ATCS consists of Freon interchangers, radiators and heat exchangers
to control thermal conditions.
- Supply and Waste Water
- The supply and waste water systems provide water for the flash evaporator,
crew consumption and hygiene.
- Waste Collection System
- The waste collection system is an integrated, multifunctional system
used primarily to collect and process biological wastes from crew
members in a zero-gravity environment.
- Waste Water Tank
- A single waste water tank receives waste water from the ARS humidity
separator and the waste collection system.
- Airlock Support
- The airlock and airlock hatches permit EVA flight crew members to
transfer from the middeck crew compartment into the payload bay in
EMUs without depressurizing the orbiter crew cabin.
- Extravehicular Activity Mobility Units
- EMU space suits provide the necessities for life support during
space walks.
- Crew Altitude Protection System
- The crew altitude protection system is worn by the flight crew members
during launch and entry.
- Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
Cooling and Gaseous Nitrogen Purge for Payloads
- A cooling and purge system is installed in Discovery and Atlantis
to support those payloads with RTGs or gaseous nitrogen purging requirements.
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