Environmental Control & Life Support Systems

Swigert maintains a leading research program focused on developing next-generation systems for maintaining spacecraft cabin atmosphere quality through the removal of carbon dioxide, generation of oxygen, and control of trace contaminants. This specialty encompasses the development of high-efficiency carbon dioxide removal systems utilizing advanced adsorption materials, membrane separation technologies, and biological approaches incorporating algae or other photosynthetic organisms. The research addresses the challenge of minimizing system mass and power consumption while maximizing reliability and operational lifetime for long-duration missions. The facility's work includes developing integrated systems that combine carbon dioxide removal with oxygen generation through electrolysis or other processes, creating closed-loop approaches that minimize consumable mass requirements. The research also addresses trace contaminant management, developing advanced filtration and catalytic oxidation systems capable of maintaining cabin air quality within strict physiological limits.

The facility operates a comprehensive research program in bioregenerative life support, exploring the integration of biological systems into spacecraft environmental control to achieve higher degrees of closure and sustainability. This specialty focuses on developing plant growth systems for food production and atmosphere revitalization, biological waste processing systems, and integrated ecological approaches that mimic natural cycles. Researchers at Swigert are investigating advanced plant growth technologies including hydroponic and aeroponic systems, optimized lighting spectra for plant growth, and microbial systems for waste processing and nutrient cycling. The work encompasses understanding the complex interactions between biological and physicochemical systems, developing control strategies for maintaining stable ecological balances, and optimizing the trade-offs between biological system complexity and reliability. The research addresses the challenges of integrating food production, atmosphere regeneration, and waste processing into cohesive bioregenerative systems capable of supporting long-duration missions.

Swigert maintains extensive capabilities in developing water recovery systems capable of transforming humidity condensate, urine, and other wastewater sources into potable water suitable for human consumption and system use. This specialty encompasses multiple technological approaches including distillation systems, membrane-based processes such as reverse osmosis and forward osmosis, advanced oxidation processes, and biological pretreatment systems. The research focuses on achieving high recovery rates while minimizing energy consumption and system mass, critical considerations for space applications. The facility investigates hybrid approaches that combine multiple processing technologies to achieve optimal performance across varying wastewater compositions and mission requirements. The work includes developing advanced pretreatment systems to protect downstream processing equipment, optimizing membrane materials for space applications, and creating integrated systems capable of operating autonomously over extended periods with minimal maintenance requirements.

The facility conducts research in thermal control systems essential for maintaining habitable temperatures within spacecraft while managing the heat generated by crew metabolism, equipment operation, and external thermal environments. This specialty encompasses the development of advanced heat exchangers, fluid loop systems, radiators, and phase-change materials for thermal energy storage and management. Researchers at Swigert are exploring innovative approaches to thermal control including variable emittance surfaces, electrochromic radiator technologies, and advanced heat pump systems capable of operating efficiently across the wide temperature ranges encountered in space. The work addresses the integration of thermal control with other life support systems, recognizing that water processing, atmosphere revitalization, and thermal management are deeply interconnected. The research includes developing predictive thermal models, testing heat rejection technologies, and optimizing system architectures for various mission profiles from low Earth orbit to deep space applications.

Swigert maintains an active research program focused on developing advanced fire safety technologies specifically tailored for the unique challenges of spacecraft environments, including limited volumes, reduced gravity conditions, and closed atmospheric systems. This specialty encompasses the development of fire detection systems utilizing multi-sensor approaches including smoke detection, gas analysis, and thermal monitoring capable of rapid fire identification while minimizing false alarms. The research addresses fire suppression technologies suitable for spacecraft applications, including gaseous suppression systems, water mist approaches, and advanced extinguishing agents that minimize atmospheric contamination and equipment damage. The facility investigates fire prevention through materials flammability testing, ignition source control, and atmosphere composition management. The work includes developing integrated safety systems that coordinate fire detection, suppression, and post-fire atmospheric recovery while maintaining crew safety and minimizing mission impact. The research addresses the unique challenges of fire safety in long-duration missions where atmospheric recovery and system restoration capabilities are essential.