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 Mission Day Instructions Overview The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLS) on the space station maintains the astronauts' environment. It makes sure that the atmospheric pressure and mixture of gases stay within a normal, earth-like range and that the air is free of contaminants. It is also responsible for controlling the temperature and recycling or storing waste. A disruption to any part of the ECLS system could result in a dangerous situation. As part of the Life Support Team, you receive atmospheric data from an instrument called the Major Constituent Analyzer. Once the data is received, your team is responsible for recording and graphing the data, and making calculations. You must communicate the conditions within the space station to the other teams. In the event of an emergency, you recommend ways to protect the space station and the crew. Your Task • Study your notes on the atmosphere. Read the information on hypoxia and carbon dioxide poisoning and review the various parts of the ECLS system. • Practice analyzing data, making calculations, graphing, and developing recommendations. • Monitor all atmospheric changes, report the changes and the effects any changes in atmospheric conditions might have upon the astronauts. • Recommend adjustments to the atmosphere to avoid a dangerous situation. To do your job effectively, the Life Support Team should be able to: 1. Describe the parts of the environmental control system critical to the health of the crew? 2. Know how the crew can get additional oxygen. 3. Know the effects of carbon dioxide. 4. Know what happens to human beings if oxygen levels fall below normal. (Hypoxia) 5. Review each atmospheric component:
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