Regenerative ECLSS Station for Early Stage of Lunar Activities, Considering Both Crewed and Uncrewed Periods

This research aims to develop an integrated material recycling system specially designed for early crewed lunar missions. The main focus of the study is to tackle the unique challenges of reducing the cost of maintaining life for lunar surface activities crew in the Moon's harsh, resource-limited environment, and to build a stable and sustainable life support system. Recognizing the critical limitations in power supply due to the Moon's day-night cycle and the challenges of transporting resources from Earth, the study proposes innovative solutions for efficiently recycling essential life-sustaining substances like oxygen and water. The objectives of the research are twofold. The first is to conceptualize and design an efficient material recycling system suited to lunar conditions, and the second is to verify its performance through rigorous ground testing. The system aims to utilize the long uncrewed periods on the Moon for slow regeneration processes, thereby reducing peak power demands. A key aspect of this research involves creating a model capable of simulating various scenarios for material recycling, including oxygen generation, CO2 removal, and water recycling. This study also aims to extend the capabilities of crewed pressurized rovers currently being developed by Japan for the Artemis program. The life support systems onboard these rovers are constrained by limited power and size, and strict safety constraints, leading to an expectation of using disposable life support devices and carrying all the necessary air for the mission duration. However, by slowly regenerating the discarded atmosphere during the uncrewed periods after the crew's return, and using this regenerated air for the next crew stay, the mission costs can be reduced. We assume an unprecedented station that receives and provides air and water recycled, enabling more robust and sustainable life support systems of whole lunar activities.