Applicability to Life Support and ISRU Systems of Technologies Developed by AIR LIQUIDE for Aeronautics and Submarines

The exploration of the solar system, and in particular of Mars, has received increased attention in recent years. For producing oxygen on-board military and civil aircrafts, or for air revitalization on-board nuclear submarines, AIR LIQUIDE has developed products based on adsorption in molecular sieves. The capability of this technology to trap various types of closed atmosphere contaminants such as CO₂ and VOC is discussed.

In-situ production of oxygen for life support during the surface stay and propellants for the return trip to Earth is mandatory for a manned mission to Mars. The applicability of ceramic solid electrolyte for pressurized oxygen and carbon monoxide production from the Martian atmosphere is also discussed. Mainly due to losses during airlock activity, the in-situ buffer gas production could be a key issue for a human mission to Mars. The membranes used by AIR LIQUIDE to produce nitrogen on-board military and civil aircrafts bring a solution.