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Astronaut Mass Balance for Long Duration Missions

Human spaceflight logistics requirements are strongly driven by the daily living needs of the astronauts, including their biological functions. Oxygen, water and food are absolute requirements to sustain life and must be supplied at adequate rates. However, these rates can vary from day to day and from person to person. Beyond the body's immediate physical needs, water is also required for important health and hygiene functions within the spacecraft. Undesirable weight loss or gain aside, human waste product mass outputs will equal the inputs over time, resulting in an average astronaut mass balance. Best values, as well as range of variability for inputs and outputs are explored at both the individual physiological level and the spacecraft level. These values are important for design of life support and habitability systems as well as for mission planning of consumables. Current spacecraft life support systems are not fully closed loop, but the International Space Station (ISS) does recycle most of its air and water. The astronaut mass balances at the personal and vehicle level can have different impacts at different levels of system closure. Recommendations are made for a consistent set of values representing a realistic average astronaut mass balance over reasonable durations for exploration missions.

Ewert, Michael K.↗

NASA's Moon to Mars Autonomous Habitat Status

NASA is developing a strategy for sending humans to the Mars vicinity, known broadly as the Moon to Mars (M2M) Campaign. A critical part of this campaign is the development of in-space and surface habitation systems capable of substantially extending human presence beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Mars missions feature an in-space transit habitat capable of supporting crews of four on ~850-1200-day missions, including transit to and from Mars and time in Mars orbit. Surface and transit habitats are complex elements which must keep crewmembers healthy and productive in deep-space environments with limited resources, long rescue times in contingency situations, and communication delays; all within constrained mass, volume, and power budgets. These habitats provide crew both living and workspace as well as most of the resources needed to support crew life. For deep space habitats, automation needs to be employed due to latency and for significant amounts of time when the habitats are uncrewed. Automation of systems is possible in space applications, but there are limitations. Outside of the Earth’s (or any) magnetosphere, radiation environments are harsh to both the physical hardware and the software components. Radiation (charged particles and ionizing electromagnetic waves) degrades and damages the hardware and causes single event upsets (SEUs) in software. If the hardware is damaged, data can be lost, or control actions not made. For software, SEUs cause algorithms to result in different solutions, or incorrect commands to be sent out. This means that algorithms and hardware used for deep space systems are different than what is used on Earth. Radiation-tolerant hardware is generations behind the current state-of-the-art hardware. Recent NASA missions, such as James Webb Space Telescope, continue to rely on older technologies such as the RAD750 processor, and the most advanced processors are still single core and less than 1.5 GHz. There have been attempts to use higher performance processors, but these often take multiple mitigation steps to handle the radiation environments, which limits the processing power and/or throughput. Current techniques for radiation mitigation have been redundancies, voting, physical separation of hardware, encasing materials, under-clocking hardware, and more. Some radiation mitigation techniques do provide benefits such as having a redundant system to improve the probability that a system will be available when needed. Autonomous software systems will have fewer interactions with humans on deep space missions and therefore need to be able to handle more off-nominal conditions. Microgravity also complicates the autonomous aspects of the mission because autonomous systems are usually built from known deterministic states, but microgravity causes physical objects to shift and move changing the location an autonomous system placed the object. Not only does the software need to be reliable and deterministic, losing resources due to a software error is not only costly but detrimental to reputation. The combination of having lower performance hardware and having to be able to verify and deterministically run software and an ever-changing environment makes deep space autonomous systems more complicated. Multiple gaps have been identified including verification of autonomous software algorithms (including artificial intelligence and machine learning), higher performance processors (graphics and general purpose), high speed networks (onboard and transmissions), memory, power distribution, data security, and variations from these. These gaps need to be closed for more advanced systems to be deployed and reduce the size, weight, and power impacts on the habitats.

Scott B. Tashakkor↗

Mars Habitat Commonality: CPP-HAB

This proposal addresses the challenge to create a habitation system that has commonality in both the in-space and surface habitat designs so the crew will be familiar with the layout, function, and location of everything in the surface habitat when they arrive on Mars.

Michael Fox↗

American Society of Plant Biologists Plenary Symposium Overview Presentation

NASA’s Artemis program in collaboration with international space agencies, and various commercial partners, marks the return of humankind to the Moon. Unlike the Apollo lunar missions from fifty years ago, Artemis will set the stage for the continuous presence of humans on the Moon and pave a path for the journey to Mars and beyond. Plants will be an essential component of habitation systems that will enable humans to thrive on both the lunar and Mars surface, as well as space transit vehicles because of their nutritional and psychological benefits. Furthermore, plants will be valued in environmental control and life support systems because they generate oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and recycle water and waste. However, an in-depth understanding of how plants and their associated microbial communities adapt to the harsh and confined environment of deep space is essential before they can be effectively used for long-duration space missions. This plenary symposium will address challenges and present potential solutions to growing plants in space. The four speakers will cover a broad range of topics, including mechanistic studies on fern resurgence after asteroid-triggered mass extinction events, artificial photosynthesis for space agriculture, and how the plant microbiome and an understanding of plant-pathogen dynamics in microgravity can guide crop production strategies in space.

Plant Space Biology↗

Funding Opportunities at NASA for Space Plant Biology and Agriculture

NASA’s Artemis program marks the return of humankind to the Moon. Unlike the Apollo lunar missions, Artemis will set the stage for the continuous presence of humans on the Moon and pave a path for the journey to Mars and beyond. Plants will be an essential component of habitation systems that will enable humans to thrive on the lunar and Mars surface, and space transit vehicles because of their nutritional, psychological, and other life support benefits. To use plants for space exploration, there is a need to understand their biology in various space environments and how to best to grow them in controlled environment agriculture systems in space. This presentation will briefly address challenges of growing plants in space and present funding opportunities at NASA to help address these challenges.

Agriculture↗

Exploration of A Magma-Sediment Hydrothermal System on Earth: Constraints on the Habitability Potential of Martian Noachian Hydrothermal Systems

The martian crust is predominantly composed of basalt [1] and hosts a large variety of alteration materials caused by wide-ranging processes from volcanic hydrothermal processes to sedimentary and post-magmatic (e.g., see [2] and reference within). Specifically, there is an abundance of evidence that water previously flowed on Mars, ranging from ancient stream beds [3], lake basins [4], sedimentary fans in Jezero crater [5, 6], and clay minerals [7]. These secondary minerals have been observed by landers and rovers [2], from orbit [8], and in martian meteorites [9-11]. Along with low temperature alteration, high temperature hydrothermal systems from volcanic processes, as well as meteorite impacts, should have been present [12,13]. However, finding evidence of high-temperature hydrothermal activity has been challenging. To better understand these processes on Mars, Earth analogs can be used and then compared to potential scenarios and locations on Mars. Therefore, here we investigate a mafic dike and the surrounding metamorphic contact zone that has been hydrothermally altered from contact with ground water as it was emplaced. We will also compare our results to previous work on Robbers Roost Dike, an older mafic dike near our field location that intruded a similar protolith causing a potentially habitable hydrothermal system [14. 15].

R A Slank↗

Innovative Imagery System for Enhanced Habitability Onboard ISS: Desired Features and Possible Hardware Applications

With the advent of the ISS and the experience of Russian, European, and US crewmembers on Mir, the importance of the psychological element in long duration missions is increasingly recognized. An integrated imagery system or Magic Window System could enhance the habitability, performance, and productivity for long term stays in space. Because this is type of system is a new concept for space, functional and technical requirements need to be determined. As part of a three-year project, the functional and technical requirements for an Imagery System onboard the International Space Station (ISS) have been explored. Valuable information was gathered from a survey completed by participants that had been in analog environments (remote/isolated) such as Antarctica, Aquarius, ISS crewmember debriefs, and crew support meetings to identify key functions desired for an integrated Magic Window System. Exercise and medical care activities were identified as areas that could benefit from such a system. It was determined that for exercise, it was worth exploring the concept of displaying a dynamic screen that changes as the crewmember's speed changes while showing physiological measures in a combined display. In terms of enhancing the interfaces for medical care activities, the Magic Window System could show video clips along side procedures for just-in-time training scenarios through a heads-up display. In addition, the portability, usability, and reliability were stressed as important considerations for an integrated system of technologies or Magic Window System. In addition, a review of state-of-the-art screens and other existing technologies such as tablet PCs and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) was conducted and contributed to defining technical requirements and feasibility of systems. Some heuristic evaluations of large displays and PDAs were conducted. Finally, feasibility for implementation onboard ISS has been considered. Currently, specific headset units are undergoing usability testing. The outcome of these activities will be valuable to determine the best candidates for an integrated system that could accommodate different needs depending on task.

Whitmore, Mihriban↗

Research on enhancing the utilization of digital multispectral data and geographic information systems in global habitability studies

The University of Kansas Applied Remote Sensing (KARS) program is engaged in a continuing long term research and development effort designed to reveal and facilitate new applications of remote sensing technology for decision makers in governmental agencies and private firms. Some objectives of the program follows. The development of new modes of analyzing multispectral scanner, aerial camera, thermal scanner, and radar data, singly or in concert in order to more effectively use these systems. Merge data derived from remote sensing with data derived from conventional sources in geographic information systems to facilitate better environmental planning. Stimulation of the application of the products of remote sensing systems to problems of resource management and environmental quality now being addressed in NASA's Global Habitability directive. The application of remote sensing techniques and analysis and geographic information systems technology to the solution of significant concerns of state and local officials and private industry. The guidance, assistance and stimulation of faculty, staff and students in the utilization of information from the Earth Resources Satellite (LANDSAT) and Aircraft Programs of NASA in research, education, and public service activities carried at the University of Kansas.

Martinko, E. A.↗

Research on enhancing the utilization of digital multispectral data and geographic information systems in global habitability studies

During 1986 to 1987, the Kansas Applied Remote Sensing (KARS) Program continued to build upon long-term research efforts oriented towards enhancement and development of technologies for using remote sensing in the inventory and evaluation of land use and renewable resources (both natural and agricultural). These research efforts directly addressed needs and objectives of NASA's Land-Related Global Habitability Program as well as needs of and interests of public agencies and private firms. The KARS Program placed particular emphasis on two major areas: development of intelligent algorithms to improve automated classification of digital multispectral data; and integrating and merging digital multispectral data with ancillary data in spatial modes.

Martinko, Edward A.↗

Investigation of a Magma-Sediment Hydrothermal Dike System in Utah: Constraints on the Habitability Potential of Martian Noachian Hydrothermal Systems

The Martian crust is predominantly composed of basalt and hosts a large variety of alteration materials produced by wide-ranging processes from volcanic hydrothermal processes to sedimentary and post-magmatic (e.g., see [2] and reference within). High temperature hydrothermal systems from volcanic processes, as well as meteorite impacts, should have occurred through time. However, finding evidence of high-temperature hydrothermal activity has been challenging. To better understand how to detect such a system on Mars, Earth analogs can be used to constrain mineral changes in such a system, then applied to locations on Mars. Here we investigate a mafic dike and the surrounding metamorphic contact zone that has been hydrothermally altered from contact with ground water as it was emplaced.

R A Slank↗

Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) Telescope: Systems Engineering and STOP Modeling

The Habitable Exoplanet Observatory Mission (HabEx) is one of four missions studied for the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey. Its goal is to directly image and spectroscopically characterize planetary systems in the habitable zone around nearby sun-like stars. Additionally, HabEx will perform a broad range of general astrophysics science enabled by 115 to 1700 nm spectral range and 3 x 3 arc-minute FOV. Critical to achieving its science goals is a large, ultra-stable UV/Optical/Near-IR (UVOIR) telescope. The baseline HabEx telescope is a 4-meter off-axis unobscured three-mirror-anastigmatic, diffraction limited at 400 nm with wavefront stability on the order of a few 10s of picometers. This paper summarizes the opto-mechanical design of the baseline optical telescope assembly, including a discussion of how we applied science driven systems engineering to derive the telescope’s engineering specifications from the mission’s science requirements, and presents analysis that the baseline telescope structure meets its specified tolerances.

Stahl, H. Philip↗

Habitability Potential of Martian Hydrothermal Systems Constrained from Exploration of a Magma-Sediment Hydrothermal System in the Colorado Plateau

Mars has a crust predominately composed of basalt, which displays wide-spread processes including volcanic hydrothermal systems and reference within. There is an abundance of evidence of previous low temperature hydrous alteration; however, finding evidence of high-temperature hydrothermal activity has been challenging. Therefore, we are investigating a mafic dike and the surrounding metamorphic contact zone to constrain how to find such systems on Mars and their habitability potential on Earth and by extension Mars. DC Dike (DCD) is in the Colorado Plateau, in south-central Utah, and intruded the Entrada formation Sandstone between 3.8 and 4.6 Ma. We chose Mars analog instrumentation to make our results directly applicable to those on Mars: Visible-Near Infrared reflectance spectroscopy (VNIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). 21 samples were analyzed with an Ore Express VNIR with wavelengths from 350-2500 nm. Bulk mineralogy is determined by using a Panalytical XRD including for clay fraction and soil separation analysis. Finally, samples are prepped as thin sections and will be analyzed using a SEM. All these techniques will be used to constrain: the mineralogy of the system, how the hydrothermal system cooled, the habitability of the cooling system, and how DCD relates to similar dikes in the area and on Mars. All of these results will then be compared to similar systems Mars, and if they too could have been habitable environments.

R. A. Slank↗

Habitability in the Solar System and on Extrasolar Planets and Moons

The criteria for a habitable world initially was based on Earth and centered around liquid water on the surface, warmed by a Sun-like star. The moons of the outer Solar System, principally Europa and Enceladus, have demonstrated that liquid water can exist below the surface warmed by tidal forces from a giant planet. Titan demonstrates that surface liquids other than water - liquid methane/ethane - may be common on other worlds. Considering the numerous extrasolar planets so far discovered and the prospect of discovering extrasolar moons it is timely to reconsider the possibilities for habitability in the Solar System and on extrasolar planets and moons and enumerate the attributes and search methods for detecting habitable worlds and evidence of life.

Extrasolar Planets↗

Mapping the Region in the Nearest Star System to Search for Habitable Planets

Circumstellar planets within the alpha Centauri AB star system have been suggested through formation models and recent observations, and ACESat (Belikov et al. AAS Meeting #225, #311.01, 2015) is a proposed space mission designed to directly image Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones of both of these stars. The alpha Centauri system is billions of years old, so planets are only expected to be found in regions where their orbits are long-lived. We evaluate the extent of the regions within the alpha Centauri AB star system where small planets are able to orbit for billion-year timescales and we map the positions in the sky plane where planets on stable orbits about either stellar component may appear. We confirm the qualitative results of Wiegert & Holman (Astron. J. 113, 1445, 1997) regarding the approximate size of the regions of stable orbits, which are larger for retrograde orbits relative to the binary than for prograde orbits. Additionally, we find that mean motion resonances with the binary orbit leave an imprint on the limits of orbital stability, and the effects of the Lidov-Kozai mechanism are also readily apparent. Overall, orbits in the habitable zones near the plane of the binary are stable, whereas high-inclination orbits are short-lived.

alpha Centauri AB star system↗

Status of the ISS Trace Contaminant Control System

A habitable atmosphere is a fundamental requirement for human spaceflight. To meet such a requirement, the cabin atmosphere must be constantly scrubbed to maintain human life and system functionality. The primary system for atmospheric scrubbing of the US on-orbit segment (USOS) of the International Space Station (ISS) is the Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS). As part of the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) atmosphere revitalization rack in the US Lab, the TCCS operates continuously, scrubbing trace contaminants generated primarily by two sources: the metabolic offgassing of crew members and the offgassing of equipment in the ISS. It has been online for approximately 95% since activated in February 2001. The TCCS is comprised of a charcoal bed, a catalytic oxidizer, and a lithium hydroxide post-sorbent bed, all of which are designed to be replaced onorbit when necessary. In 2006, all three beds were replaced following an observed increase in the system resistance that occurred over a period several months. The beds were returned to ground and subjected to a test, teardown and evaluation to investigate the root cause(s) of the decrease in flow rate through the system. In addition, various chemical and physical analyses of the bed materials were performed to determine contaminant loading and any changes in performance. This paper will mainly focus on the results of these analyses and how this correlates with what has been observed from archival sampling and onorbit events. This may provide insight into the future performance of the TCCS and rate of change for orbital replacement units in the TCCS.

Macatangay, Ariel V.↗