Abstract
The flight experiment ANITA (Analysing Interferometer for Ambient Air) has been developed within the long term European technology development programme on air monitoring in manned space cabins. Built under ESA responsibilities, ANITA has become an important inter agency cooperative activity on air monitoring with NASA. Within this cooperation, the system has recently been handed over to NASA ISS Medical Project (ISSMP) at Johnson Space Center to prepare the upcoming launch to the International Space Station (ISS) now with STS¬118. The ANITA air analyser can detect and quantify online and with high time resolution 30 trace gases simultaneously with sub¬ppm detection limits in addition to the always present background gases carbon dioxide and water vapour [6, 12]. This air quality monitor allows therefore the detection and monitoring of trace gas dynamics of the spacecraft atmosphere, providing continuous air monitoring as well as crew warning capability in case of malfunctions. ANITA is designated to be accommodated in an EXPRESS Rack on the US LAB Destiny and manifested on Space Shuttle STS¬118 13A.1 to be launched end of June 2007. A major change with respect to the originally planned launch with the maiden flight of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). The ANITA system represents a precursor for ANITA II, a permanent continuous trace gas monitoring system on the ISS and a precursor system for air monitoring activities in crewed vehicles within the exploration programme. Activities in this area including breadboard set¬ups will be initiated mid of 2007. Additionally, the ANITA team supports spin¬off activities into a different commercial area – air monitoring on submarines.