10th International Aerosol Conference September 2 - September 7, 2018 America's Center Convention Complex St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Abstract View
Characterization of Aerosols in the International Space Station
MARIT MEYER, NASA Glenn Research Center
Abstract Number: 1703 Working Group: Indoor Aerosols
Abstract Maintaining good air quality in the International Space Station (ISS) presents unique challenges. Until recently, the environmental monitoring within the ISS has prioritized gaseous constituents. Elevated CO2 levels and other contaminants were deemed a more immediate health threat to the astronauts who are of excellent health. Although particulate matter (PM) requirements exist, aerosols in the ISS cabin have not been characterized with real-time instruments. NASA’s Life Support Systems Project has a roadmap for accomplishing this end goal, which includes intermediate research projects on ISS aerosols. The Aerosol Sampling Experiment was successfully completed in 2017, including sample analysis by microscopy. The re-flight of this experiment in 2018 will provide additional results to compare with the first samples. Additional samples of airborne particulate matter will be obtained in much larger quantities from vacuum cleaner bags. In the absence of gravitational settling, particles are driven by the cabin air flow and deposit on vents and filters of the air handling system. These vents are vacuumed weekly by the astronauts as part of their housekeeping activities. The experiment called Divert Unwanted Space Trash (DUST) will collect debris samples from vents, and vacuum bags will be returned to Earth where various analyses will be performed. This activity also provides the first estimate of PM concentration for ISS cabin air. Plans for a flight experiment with a real-time aerosol instrument are underway, targeting a 2019 launch. Progress of these programs are summarized, along with the latest results from ISS aerosol characterization work.