PubMed Health⌕ Search

PubMed · 11538586

System issues for Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems.

Abstract

There are several characteristics of a Controlled Ecological Life Support System that are distinct from commonly engineered systems. These are: 1) the uncertainty, due to limited data availability, and variability due to the heterogeneity of biological subsystems; 2) the closed, ecological nature of the system; and 3) the primary criterion of maximizing the probability of survival. Consequences of these features include: complex dynamics characterized by time scales ranging from milliseconds to months, posing difficult problems with respect to mathematical modeling and predictability; and the necessity for a unique controller design that can translate the high level requirement of survivability to low-level actuator tasks. Future research in the systems and control area should include an ecological perspective focusing on the unique dynamical characteristics of a Controlled Ecological Life Support System.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

J N Eisenberg, C W Pawlowski, D R Maszle, D M Auslander. 1995. System issues for Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11538586/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

Aquatic alchemy.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Ecological Systems, Closed↗

Creation of biological module for self-regulating ecological system by the way of polymerization of composite materials in free space.

The large-size frame of space ship and space station can be created with the use of the technology of the polymerization of fiber-filled composites and a liquid reactionable matrix applied in free space or on the other space body when the space ship or space station will be used during a long period of time. For the polymerization of the station frame the fabric impregnated with a long-life polymer matrix (prepreg) is prepared in terrestrial conditions and, after folding, can be shipped in a compact container to orbit and kept folded on board the station. In due time the prepreg is carried out into free space and unfolded. Then a reaction of matrix polymerization starts. After reaction of polymerization the durable frame is ready for exploitation. After that, the frame can be filled out with air, the apparatus and life support systems. The technology can be used for creation of biological frame as element of self regulating ecological system, and for creation of technological frame which can be used for a production of new materials on Earth orbit in microgravity conditions and on other space bodies (Mars, Moon, asteroids) for unique high price mineral extraction. Based on such technology a future space base on Earth orbit with volume of 10(6) m3 and a crew of 100 astronauts is considered.

Ecological Systems, Closed↗

How we will go to Mars.

This article studies the efficiency of ejecting waste generated by the life support system (LSS) of a manned spacecraft to reduce initial mass on low earth orbit. The spacecraft is used for a long-duration interplanetary mission and is equipped with either a chemical or a nuclear-thermal propulsion system. For this study we simulate an optimal control problem for a given spacecraft maneuver. An impulsive approximation of the optimal interplanetary spacecraft trajectory is assumed, which allows us to reduce the general optimal control problem to hierarchic structure of 'outer' and 'inner' subproblems. This structure is analyzed using the Pontryagin's Maximum principle. Numerical results, illustrating the efficiency of waste ejection are shown for typical Earth-Mars transfer trajectories. This results confirm in theory that using a waste ejection system makes an early manned Mars mission possible without having to design and build new, advanced biological LSS.

Ecological Systems, Closed↗