2-day Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) System Engineering Workshop by Tonex.
This 2-day workshop provides a deep dive into the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) engineering, focusing on both fundamental principles and advanced applications. Participants will explore various ECLSS subsystems, types, and metrics, as well as review advanced ECLSS implementations in NASA’s manned space exploration programs.
This workshop is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of ECLSS systems and prepare them to tackle the challenges of designing and managing life support systems for future space missions.
Learning Objectives:
- Recap the fundamental ECLSS subsystems and types.
- Understand the Equivalent System Mass (ESM) metric.
- Review advanced ECLSS systems in historical and current NASA programs.
- Discuss the challenges and solutions for future ECLSS implementations in space missions.
Target Audience:
- Aerospace engineers
- Systems engineers
- Environmental scientists
- Space mission planners
- Professionals involved in space habitat design and operations
Pre-requisites:
- Basic understanding of engineering principles
- Familiarity with space mission concepts is beneficial but not required
Workshop Agenda:
Day 1:
Session 1: Recap of ECLSS Subsystems
- Introduction to ECLSS and its importance
- Overview of key ECLSS subsystems: atmosphere management, water recovery, waste management, and thermal control
Session 2: Types of ECLSS
- Non-regenerative vs. Regenerative systems
- Open loop vs. Closed loop systems
- Physical-chemical vs. Bioregenerative systems
Session 3: Equivalent System Mass (ESM) Metric
- Definition and importance of ESM in ECLSS design
- Calculation and application of ESM
- Comparative analysis using ESM for different ECLSS types
Session 4: Advanced ECLSS in NASA Programs – Part 1
- Mercury and Gemini Programs: Early ECLSS systems and their limitations
- Apollo Program: Innovations and advancements in ECLSS for lunar missions
- Skylab: Transition to more sustainable ECLSS
- Session 5: Advanced ECLSS in NASA Programs – Part 2
- Space Shuttle Program: ECLSS improvements and challenges in reusable spacecraft
- International Space Station (ISS): Current state-of-the-art ECLSS systems
- Case studies and lessons learned from historical missions
Day 2:
Session 6: Advanced ECLSS in NASA Programs – Part 3
- Artemis Program: ECLSS considerations for upcoming lunar missions
- Altair Lunar Lander: Specific ECLSS design and operational challenges
- Lunar Base Operations: Sustainable ECLSS for long-term lunar habitation
Session 7: Designing ECLSS for Future Missions
- Design principles and methodologies for future ECLSS
- Integration of advanced technologies: AI, automation, and bioregenerative systems
- Simulation and modeling of ECLSS for mission planning
Session 8: Challenges and Solutions in ECLSS Engineering
- Reliability, redundancy, and fault tolerance in ECLSS
- Maintenance and repair strategies in space environments
- Adapting ECLSS for deep space missions: Mars and beyond
Session 9: Practical Workshop and Hands-on Activities
- Group exercises: Designing and evaluating ECLSS for hypothetical missions
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving scenarios
- Interactive discussions on innovative ECLSS solutions
Session 10: Future Trends and Research Directions
- Emerging trends and future research in ECLSS engineering
- The role of commercial spaceflight and international collaborations
- Panel discussion with experts in the field
Conclusion and Q&A Session
- Summary of key takeaways and lessons learned
- Open floor for participant questions
- Course feedback and evaluation
Materials Provided:
- Comprehensive course manual
- Certificate of completion