The Application of Grab and Time Integrated Sampling to the Characterization of Trace Contaminants Contributed by the Docking and Integration of the Priroda Module to Space Station Mir

• Published in: SAE transactions 1998-01, Vol.107, p.885-899
• Main Authors: Cole, Harold, Ward, Sandra, Manuel, Sam, Rather, David, Simon, Philippe, Farant, Jean-Pierre, Krasnec, Joseph, Gouzenberg, Arkady, Moukhamedieva, Lana, Mikos, Konstantine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0096-736X; 2577-1531

The docking and integration of the Priroda module into the Space Station Mir Complex in 1996 provided a unique opportunity to assess the potential impact on the trace contaminant concentrations in the station complex. Since Priroda was substantially loaded with new US flight hardware, the data are potentially relevant to future similar operations associated with the buildup of the International Space Station. Grab samples were collected to assess the Priroda concentrations prior to integration and to capture the profile of concentrations after the start of Priroda inter-module ventilation. A long term time integrated sampler was configured for collection of canister samples over a time interval of seven days. The time integrated samplers were used to baseline the Mir Core module contaminant concentrations prior to docking, to determine average concentrations in the Core module during the start of inter-module ventilation, and to assess differences in separate modules from parallel, time integrated sampling. The data illustrated that the Priroda module contained a number of contaminants at high concentrations relative to the Mir baseline sample. The major Priroda contaminants consisted of aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and a variety of aliphatic hydrocarbons. The data from seven-day time integrated samples which were collected in parallel in the Priroda and Core modules indicated that aromatics, siloxanes, butanol, bromomethane, and 2-butoxy ethanol were still offgassing in the Priroda module two months after the start of Priroda operations.