Carbon Dioxide Reduction Processes for Spacecraft ECLSS: A Comprehensive Review

There currently exist three practical processes for reduction of carbon dioxide in manned spacecraft environmental control and life support systems. The Sabatier (SCRS) and the Bosch (BCRS) Carbon Dioxide Reduction Subsystems are well known, while the Advanced Carbon Dioxide Reduction Subsystem (ACRS) is more recently developed. In this paper, the physiochemical fundamentals, developmental history, and reactor hardware implementation of these three processes are described. The methodology, data, and results of a logistics trade study of these carbon dioxide reduction processes for manned space mission application are presented and discussed.