Gaganyaan's life-support system: Managing air, water, temperature, and waste in space
The article explains the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) for India's Gaganyaan mission, designed to replicate Earth's atmosphere in orbit. It details how the system manages air revitalization, including removing carbon dioxide using lithium hydroxide canisters and supplying oxygen from high-pressure bottles, and controlling temperature and humidity. Water management is crucial, with potable water stored in pouches, as water forms floating globules in microgravity. Waste management involves suction-based airflow systems for liquid and solid waste, which are chemically treated and stored. Fire suppression uses smoke detectors and fine water mists, with cabin depressurization as a last resort.
Key Points
- The Gaganyaan mission's Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) manages air, water, temperature, and waste in space.
- Air revitalization involves removing exhaled carbon dioxide with lithium hydroxide canisters and supplying oxygen from high-pressure bottles.
- The ECLSS maintains a comfortable cabin environment by regulating temperature (20-26°C) and humidity (30-70%) and maintaining pressure at 101.3 kPa.
- Water is stored in specialized pouches and mechanically forced due to microgravity, which causes water to form floating globules.
- Waste management uses suction-based systems, chemical treatment, and sealed storage, while fire suppression involves smoke detectors and water mist.
Exam Facts
- Gaganyaan mission: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) mission.
- Aims to place a small crew of Indian astronauts in a 400 km orbit.
- Carbon dioxide removed using lithium hydroxide canisters.
- Oxygen supplied from high-pressure gas bottles (0.84 kg per day per crew member).
- Pressure maintained at 101.3 kPa.
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