NASA's improved life support system will enable future deep space missions

The Breakthrough

A team from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has installed the Environment Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) on the International Space System that will help reduce the need for re-supplying missions. The ECLSS has two components; Water Recovery (filters and recycles wastewater) and Oxygen Generation (uses an electrolysis system). The ECLSS has been able to produce 25 tons of water, of which 5 tons have been converted to oxygen. 

The Implications

Now that re-supplying has become a non-issue, there will be more room for astronauts to carry items that could possibly be helpful in exploration and research at their destination. The ECLSS was also designed to provide the basic necessities for the astronauts for long durations, therefore, the new technology will be of great value in the future trips to space.