An Advanced CO ₂ Removal and Reduction System

The recovery of oxygen from a concentrated stream of carbon dioxide (CO₂) offers significant advantage to long duration manned space missions by reducing the requirement for consumables.

TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) is developing a chemical absorbent-based system to carry out CO₂ removal and CO₂ reduction for the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) at the International Space Station (ISS). The system eliminates the interfacing problems associated with the currently operational CO₂ Removal Assembly (CDRA) and planned CO₂ Reduction Assembly (CRA). This paper discusses the development efforts of a regenerable absorbent that is suitable for our conceptual system recommended for future missions. We also tested the performance of a state-of-the-art catalyst for CO₂ reduction to water and methane at the conditions of interest. We demonstrate the technical feasibility of carrying out CO₂ removal and reduction.