Gas detector tube applications on Space Station Freedom
The Space Station Freedom (SSF) program requires measurements, by gas detector tubes, of trace contaminants (mainly CO and toluene didsocyanate) in the Node 2 (which is isolated from the trace contaminant control system for about 100 days during the SSF building missions) and Lab A atmosphere prior to the first entry of the crew. This paper discusses the results of an analysis of the levels of trace contaminants that can be expected in the Node 2 atmosphere at 100 days and the aspects of the detector tube design and technology which may need further developent for application in microgravity. Attention is also given to the factors governing the use of detector tubes for monitoring selected contaminants.