How does the Gaganyaan’s life-support system operate?, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) in Gaganyaan will replicate Earth's atmosphere by managing air, water, temperature, and waste.
• Air Revitalisation System (ARS) removes carbon dioxide exhaled by astronauts, preventing hypercapnia.
• The crew module maintains a temperature of 20-26°C and humidity between 30-70% for comfort and equipment safety.
• Water is stored in specialized pouches and mechanically forced out, while waste is collected using suction-based systems.
• Fire suppression involves smoke detectors and water mist extinguishers due to the spherical expansion of fires in microgravity.

Detailed Insights:

• ECLSS is crucial for short-term missions where all supplies are carried from Earth, while long-duration missions require recycling waste into resources.
• ARS uses lithium hydroxide canisters to remove carbon dioxide, with each canister lasting approximately 20-24 hours.
• The system includes small fans to circulate air and prevent the formation of dangerous carbon dioxide and oxygen pockets in microgravity.
• Humidity control is vital to prevent dry skin and static electricity discharge from low humidity, and microbial growth and short-circuits from high humidity.
• An active cooling system regulates temperature by circulating air through heat exchangers, expelling heat into space, and managing humidity with condensing units.
• Gaganyaan uses specialized faecal collection bags and urine funnels, with waste chemically treated and stored in sealed containers.
• Fire suppression in microgravity uses water mists to cool fires and scrub toxic smoke particles, with Soyuz spacecraft having a depressurization option as a last resort.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Hypercapnia: A condition caused by elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to headaches and impaired cognitive function.
• Microgravity: The condition of experiencing very little or no gravitational force, affecting fluid dynamics and waste management.
• Air Revitalisation System (ARS): A system that provides fresh air, removes carbon dioxide, and filters contaminants in spacecraft.