Design and analysis of emergency protection scheme for manned spacecraft under leakage condition. Issue 7 (1st October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Kaichun; Yang, Chunxin; Yang, Han
• Is Part Of: Advances in space research. Volume 70:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1935
• Page End: 1948
• Publication Date: 2022-10-01
• Subjects: Manned spacecraft -- Cabin leakage -- Pressure control -- Emergency protection -- Gas recovery -- Inflatable cabin; CGSS Continuous Gas Supply Scheme -- CM Crew module -- ECLSS Environmental Control and Life-Support Systems -- ISS International Space Station -- PRS Periodic Recompression Scheme -- PRRS Periodic Recompression Recovery Scheme; Space sciences -- Periodicals; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 500.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2022.06.059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0273-1177

Abstract

Highlights: A periodic recompression recovery scheme (PRRS) is proposed for pressure protection. The PRRS improves the reliability of spacecraft protection. A cabin pressure mathematical model is established. The variation laws of cabin pressure during leakage and protection are obtained. The PRRS reduces gas consumption by more than 85%. Abstract: Spacecraft may encounter emergency pressure relief situations during manned space exploration missions, such as when micrometeoroids break through the bulkheads. The pressure emergency is one of the main threats to the missions in low earth orbit or deep space explorations to the Moon and Mars. It is critical to develop a pressure protection scheme for emergency contingencies. In this study, in order to improve the safety and reliability of spacecraft protection, a periodic recompression recovery scheme (PRRS) is proposed for cabin pressure protection. The PRRS adopts a combined mode of cabin emergency recompression, cabin pressure maintenance, gas recovery, and spacesuit protection, which can provide astronauts with a variety of safety protection methods. A mathematical model of cabin pressure control is established by using the lumped parameter method, and the gas consumption of three types of pressure protection systems are compared. The PRRS adopts the mature technologies and could provide the reliable pressure emergency protection. Compared with the traditional continuous gas supply scheme, the PRRS can reduce gas consumption by more than 85%. In the case of limited spacecraft gas resources, the PRRS promises a longer survival time for returning astronauts. This study can provide a design idea for the overall design of manned spacecraft in the future.