NASA Advanced Explorations Systems: 2017 Advancements in Life Support Systems

Schneider, Walter F.; Shull, Sarah

doi:10.2514/6.2017-5152

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The references for Table 3 are in Table 4. (Bilardo 1990), (Jones 2007-01-3221), (Jones 2007-01-3221), (Jones 2013-3362), (Jones 2013-3407), (Jones 2016-103), (Schneider and Shull 2017), (Wieland,1990).…”

Section: Oversimplification Of Goals Processes and Criteriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Oversimplification of Systems Engineering Goals, Processes, and Criteria in NASA Space Life Support

Jones

2022

INCOSE International Symp

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This paper investigates the oversimplification of the inherently complex systems engineering process in space life support. The standard systems engineering process steps are described. The International Space Station (ISS) life support system is explained with its goals and performance criteria. Although it is not usually emphasized, the essential function of developing a hierarchy of systems and subsystems is to simplify the design process. The System Complexity Metric (SCM) shows how this divide-and-conquer approach also reduces the system complexity. The complete systems engineering process has many detailed steps. It is often simplified because of the effort required and the human limitations on working memory and decision span. Systems analysis demands slow, logical, and focused thinking but is often bypassed in favor of quick, intuitive, subconscious "gut feel." A study of 100 system designs found examples of 12 specific mental mistakes, such as ignoring stakeholder needs, and these mistakes are essentially oversimplifications of the systems engineering process. An analysis of space life support goals, options, criteria, and processes found 11 examples of oversimplifications in systems engineering, such as neglecting safety and cost. All these 11 oversimplifications could be traced to one or more of the 12 previously identified mental mistakes or other well-known ones, such as ignoring sunk costs. Oversimplification of the systems engineering process is rarely noticed but is a common and harmful problem. A study of failures in 50 different space systems found that problems in systems engineering caused failures and often led to errors in design, development, and test that further contributed to failure. It seems that more diligent systems engineering could prevent many project problems and failures, but projects seem to be more guided by "gut feel" based on tradition, authority, and consensus than on the logical, rational systems engineering approach.

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Section: Oversimplification Of Goals Processes and Criteriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Oversimplification of Systems Engineering Goals, Processes, and Criteria in NASA Space Life Support

Jones

2022

INCOSE International Symp

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“…Prelminary test data analysis indicates good CO2 conversion. These testing results will be compared to the previously-reported pH Matter CFR testing [12] and NASA's Bosch Batch Carbon Formation Reactor before considering future funding.…”

Section: Spacecraft Oxygen Recovery (Scor)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Paragon's IWP (also known as the Brine Processor Assembly, BPA, within NASA) utilizes forced convection of dry, heated, spacecraft cabin air coupled with membrane distillation to purify and recover water from urine brine [12]. The water vapor generated is released from the BPA into the cabin environment where it is collected and condensed by the existing spacecraft condensing heat exchanger(s).…”

Section: B Brine Processingmentioning

confidence: 99%

NASA Advanced Explorations Systems: 2018 Advancements in Life Support Systems

Meyer

Schneider

2018

2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition

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The NASA Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Life Support Systems (LSS) project strives to develop reliable, energy-efficient, and low-mass spacecraft systems to provide environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) critical to enabling long duration human missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Highly reliable, closed-loop life support systems are among the capabilities required for the longer duration human space exploration missions planned in the mid-2020s and beyond. The LSS Project is focused on three life support areas: air revitalization, wastewater processing/water management and environmental monitoring. Building upon the International Space Station (ISS) LSS systems (where applicable), the three-fold mission of the LSS Project is to address discrete LSS technology gaps, to improve the reliability of LSS systems, and to advance LSS systems toward integrated testing aboard the ISS. This paper is a follow on to the AES LSS development status reported in 2017 and provides additional details on the progress made since that publication with specific attention to the status of the Aerosol Sampler ISS Flight Experiment, the Spacecraft Atmosphere Monitor (SAM) Flight Experiment, the Brine Processor Assembly (BPA) Flight Experiment as well as the progress of the terrestrial development in air, water and environmental monitoring technologies.

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Oversimplification of Systems Engineering Goals, Processes, and Criteria in NASA Space Life Support

Jones

2023

INCOSE International Symp

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This paper investigates the oversimplification of the inherently complex systems engineering process in space life support. The standard systems engineering process steps are described. The International Space Station (ISS) life support system is explained with its goals and performance criteria. Although it is not usually emphasized, the essential function of developing a hierarchy of systems and subsystems is to simplify the design process. The System Complexity Metric (SCM) shows how this divide‐and‐conquer approach also reduces the system complexity. The complete systems engineering process has many detailed steps. It is often simplified because of the effort required and the human limitations on working memory and decision span. Systems analysis demands slow, logical, and focused thinking but is often bypassed in favor of quick, intuitive, subconscious “gut feel.” A study of 100 system designs found examples of 12 specific mental mistakes, such as ignoring stakeholder needs, and these mistakes are essentially oversimplifications of the systems engineering process. An analysis of space life support goals, options, criteria, and processes found 11 examples of oversimplifications in systems engineering, such as neglecting safety and cost. All these 11 oversimplifications could be traced to one or more of the 12 previously identified mental mistakes or other well‐known ones, such as ignoring sunk costs. Oversimplification of the systems engineering process is rarely noticed but is a common and harmful problem. A study of failures in 50 different space systems found that problems in systems engineering caused failures and often led to errors in design, development, and test that further contributed to failure. It seems that more diligent systems engineering could prevent many project problems and failures, but projects seem to be more guided by “gut feel” based on tradition, authority, and consensus than on the logical, rational systems engineering approach.

show abstract

NASA Advanced Explorations Systems: 2017 Advancements in Life Support Systems

Cited by 4 publications

References 0 publications

Oversimplification of Systems Engineering Goals, Processes, and Criteria in NASA Space Life Support

Oversimplification of Systems Engineering Goals, Processes, and Criteria in NASA Space Life Support

NASA Advanced Explorations Systems: 2018 Advancements in Life Support Systems

Oversimplification of Systems Engineering Goals, Processes, and Criteria in NASA Space Life Support

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