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High technology hidden in space backpacks: How does PLSS maintain the lives of astronauts?
As humans explore deeper and deeper into space, astronauts need to perform various tasks in extreme environments, and one of the secrets behind this It is the Personal Life Support System (PLSS). This high-tech "backpack" not only provides astronauts with oxygen; Survive in microgravity and carry out arduous space missions at your own pace.
Basic functions of PLSS
As part of astronaut equipment, PLSS uses a series of complex technologies to achieve the following key functions:
Adjust spacesuit pressure
Provides breathable oxygen
Removes carbon dioxide, moisture, odors and pollutants
Cooling and recirculating oxygen and water in liquid cooling units
Provide two-way voice communication
Display and transmit spacesuit health parameters
Monitor the wearer's real-time health status (for example: heart rate)
PLSS is similar to a diving rebreather system in that it recycles breathing gases by closing the cycle, which means the gases exhaled by the astronauts Can be processed and reused. In a microgravity environment, astronauts also need to rely on other propulsion systems to ensure the safety of their actions.
PLSS in Apollo mission
In the Apollo lunar landing mission, the portable life support system used fully demonstrated the advancement of technology. This system utilizes lithium hydroxide to remove carbon dioxide from breathing air and diffuse water into space for cooling. This process not only reduces the caloric burden on astronauts, Wastewater is also properly disposed of in space.
In testing, the system weighed about 84 pounds on Earth, but only 14 pounds on the moon.
PLSS capabilities were enhanced with the extended missions of Apollo 15 through 17, astronauts spent time externally on the lunar surface Increased to eight hours to accommodate longer exploration needs.
Space shuttle and PLSS of the International Space Station
In addition to the Apollo missions, PLSS technology is also used in space shuttles and the International Space Station. Current EMU space suits utilize advanced Life support systems, these systems are manufactured by Hamilton Sundstrand and installed on the upper part of the space suit.
Oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor are collected from the end of the suit and then enter the PLSS through a series of filtration and cooling processes.
This design is designed to ensure that astronauts can breathe the freshest oxygen and keep the pressure inside the spacesuit isolated from the external environment.
Future PLSS technology
With the advancement of technology, scientists continue to explore the application of new technologies in PLSS, such as pressure swing adsorption (PSA). This technology separates CO2 more efficiently and significantly reduces the weight and volume of the adsorbent during regeneration, thereby Improve astronauts’ work efficiency in space.
PSA technology is expected to replace the currently used lithium hydroxide tanks in future PLSS, opening up new possibilities.
PLSS is undoubtedly an indispensable element of space exploration. Whether it is an exploration mission to the moon, Mars or other stars, ensuring the safety of astronauts is the top priority. As technology advances, we can’t help but wonder, what will future space travel look like?
