Innovators at NASA's Johnson Space Center have developed a computer program for sizing and analyzing designs of environmental-control and life-support systems for spacecraft and surface habitats involved in the exploration of Mars. The Advanced Life Support Sizing Analysis Tool (ALSSAT) investigates combinations of subsystems used to recycle air and water and process human waste to determine the most reliable and cost-effective combinations available for steady-state operation. ALSSAT includes modules for the management of six internal subsystems (air, water, food, thermal control, solid waste, and biomass) and six external interfaces. Combining Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet software with the Microsoft Visual Basic® programming language, ALSSAT performs calculations for a range of mission scenarios. This software may be released to U.S. persons only.
Microsoft, Excel, and Visual Basic are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
- Customized: Guides the selection of the best life-support and environmental-control systems for each mission
- Flexible: Performs calculations for multiple-case and single-case mission scenarios
- Economical: Provides the optimal solution for minimizing costly resupply of consumables
- Evaluation of life-support and environmental-control systems
This technology is being made available through JSC's Technology Transfer and Commercialization Office, which seeks to transfer technology into and out of NASA to benefit the space program and U.S. industry. NASA invites companies to consider licensing this technology for commercial applications.
If you would like more information about this technology or about NASA's technology transfer program, please contact:
Technology Transfer and Commercialization Office
NASA's Johnson Space Center