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CO2 on the International Space Station: An Operations UpdatePROBLEM STATEMENT: We describe CO2 symptoms that have been reported recently by crewmembers on the International Space Station and our continuing efforts to control CO2 to lower levels than historically accepted. BACKGROUND: Throughout the International Space Station (ISS) program, anecdotal reports have suggested that crewmembers develop CO2-related symptoms at lower CO2 levels than would be expected terrestrially. Since 2010, operational limits have controlled the 24-hour average CO2 to 4.0 mm Hg, or below as driven by crew symptomatology. In recent years, largely due to increasing awareness by crew and ground team, there have been increased reports of crew symptoms. The aim of this presentation is to discuss recent observations and operational impacts to lower CO2 levels on the ISS. CASE PRESENTATION: Crewmembers are routinely asked about CO2 symptoms in their weekly private medical conferences with their crew surgeons. In recent ISS expeditions, crewmembers have noted symptoms attributable to CO2 starting at 2.3 mmHg. Between 2.3 - 2.7 mm Hg, fatigue and full-headedness have been reported. Between 2.7 - 3.0 mm Hg, there have been self-reports of procedure missed steps or procedures going long. Above 3.0 - 3.4 mm Hg, headaches have been reported. A wide range of inter- and intra-individual variability in sensitivity to CO2 have been noted. OPERATIONAL / CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These preliminary data provide semi-quantitative ranges that have been used to inform a new operational limit of 3.0 mmHg as a compromise between systems capabilities and the recognition that there are human health and performance impacts at recent ISS CO2 levels. Current evidence would suggest that an operational limit between 0.5 and 2.0 mm Hg may maintain health and performance. Future work is needed to establish long-term ISS and future vehicle operational limits.
Document ID
20150019624
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Law, Jennifer (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Alexander, David (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
October 22, 2015
Publication Date
April 24, 2016
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-34542
Meeting Information
Meeting: Annual AsMA Meeting
Location: Atlantic City, NJ
Country: United States
Start Date: April 24, 2016
End Date: April 28, 2016
Sponsors: Aerospace Medical Association
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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