Shuttle
Reference Manual
Space Shuttle
Orbiter Systems
Environmental Control and Life Support System
|
|
Overview
The
ECLSS consists of atmosphere and water treatment and thermal systems.
Crew
Compartment Cabin Pressurization
The cabin is pressurized to 14.7 psia and maintained at an average
80-percent nitrogen and 20-percent oxygen mixture by the air revitalization
system.
Cabin
Air Revitalization
There are five independent air loops in the cabin.
Water
Coolant Loop System
The WCLS provides thermal conditioning of the crew cabin by collecting
heat at a heat exchanger and transferring it to the water coolant
loops.
Active
Thermal Control System
The ATCS consists of Freon interchangers, radiators and heat exchangers
to control thermal conditions.
Supply
and Waste Water
The supply and waste water systems provide water for the flash evaporator,
crew consumption and hygiene.
Waste
Collection System
The waste collection system is an integrated, multifunctional
system used primarily to collect and process biological wastes from
crew members in a zero-gravity environment.
Waste
Water Tank
A single waste water tank receives waste water from the ARS humidity
separator and the waste collection system.
Airlock
Support
The airlock and airlock hatches permit EVA flight crew members to
transfer from the middeck crew compartment into the payload bay
in EMUs without depressurizing the orbiter crew cabin.
Extravehicular
Activity Mobility Units
EMU space suits provide the necessities for life support during
space walks.
Crew
Altitude Protection System
The crew altitude protection system is worn by the flight crew members
during launch and entry.
Radioisotope
Thermoelectric Generator Cooling and Gaseous Nitrogen Purge for
Payloads
A cooling and purge system is installed in Discovery and Atlantis
to support those payloads with RTGs or gaseous nitrogen purging
requirements.
| 
