Report on Development Status of the Micro Total Atmosphere Monitor for ISS and Orion

The Micro Total Atmosphere Monitor (µTAM) is a highly miniature gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) for monitoring the atmosphere of crewed spacecraft for both trace organic compounds and the major constituents. The µTAM instrument is the next generation of GCMS, building on JPL’s Vehicle Cabin Atmosphere Monitor (VCAM) which successfully operated on the International Space Station for two years. We report herein on the current status of the µTAM instrument and details of the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) GC and a miniature version of quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (QITMS). µTAM is a technology demonstration and takes its accommodation, resources, and major constituents requirements from the planned Multi-Platform Atmosphere Monitor (MPAM) instrument. As such, µTAM will continuously measure the concentrations of major air constituents (CH4, H2O, N2, O2, and CO2) and report results in two-second intervals. It will be able to operate under hi-G loads present during launch events or at sub-atmospheric pressures relevant to extra-vehicular activities. Instrument mass is projected at 9 kg with power consumption estimated at 45 W. The µTAM instrument also includes the on-demand trace volatile organic compounds (VOC) mode of operation in which it will detect the ppm to ppb levels of 40+ species relevant for astronaut health. In the current design, the µTAM is amenable for use in both the ISS and the Orion environments.