This paper presents the results of a program to develop the next generation Vapor Phase Catalytic Ammonia Removal (VPCAR) system. VPCAR is a spacecraft water recycling system designed by NASA and constructed by Water Reuse Technology Inc. The technology has been identified by NASA to be the next generation water recycling system [1]. It is designed specifically for a Mars transit vehicle mission.

This paper provides a description of the process and an evaluation of the performance of the new system. The equivalent system mass (ESM) is calculated and compared to the existing state-of-the art. A description of the contracting mechanism used to construct the new system is also provided. 

The primary application of the Spiral Orbit Tribometer is to quickly determine friction coefficients and lubricant degradation/consumption rates for various lubricated couples under realistic conditions (those seen in ball-bearing applications). The tribometer is unique in the fact that it simulates all the motions seen in an actual angular contact bearing and operates under realistic conditions (i.e., loads, speeds, environment, etc…). Based on relative lubricant rankings obtained from the Spiral Orbit Tribometer, better lubricant selections can be made for critical applications during the design phase, such as spacecraft components.

The Robotic Arm Tool for Rapidly Acquiring Permafrost (RATRAP) is a system for acquiring permafrost (or mineral) samples for delivery to in situ instruments. The RATRAP consecutively liberates samples from a consolidated surface, powderizes it and loads it into a sample handling container (any scoop or other handling container designed to remotely process, and/or deliver samples) in a single step process. Concering rock/mineral sample extraction, secondary crushing/processing may not be required (depending on the PSD required by the instrument suite) as the RATRAP powderizes samples during acquisition.

A test apparatus provides an applied load to a monoball through a trolley which moves along a loading axis.  While applying the load to the monoball, the torque meter is in communication with the spherical monoball, and a load cell senses the application of applied force to the monoball.  Meanwhile, a rotary actuary imports rotary oscillating motion to the monoball which is sensed by a position sensor and a torque meter.  Accordingly, a processor can determine the coefficient of friction in substantially real time along with a cycles per second rate.

To remove air from liquid in continuous flow, a vacuum is created over a maximum surface area of the fluid and the fluid is continuously returned to the reservoir. The removed air or gas is expelled through the vacuum pump.

There is provided a climate control system for a parked vehicle that includes a solar panel, thermostatic switch, fans, and thermoelectric coolers.  The solar panal can serve as a sole source of electricity for the system.  The system affords convenient installation and removal by including solar panels that are removably attached to the exterior of the vehicle.  A connecting wire electrically connects the solar panels to a housing that is removably mounted to a partially opened window on the vehicle.  The thermostatic switch, fans, and thermoelectric coolers are included within the housing.  The thermostatic switch alternates the direction of the current flow through the thermoelectric coolers to selectively heat or cool the interior of the vehicle.   The interior surface of the thermoelectric coolers are in contact with interior heat sinks that have air circulated across them by an interior fan.  Similarly, the exterior surface of the thermoelectric coolers are in contact with exterior heat sinks that have air circulated across them by an exterior fan.