Development of a Regenerable Metal Oxide CO Removal System

A regenerable metal oxide carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal system was developed to replace the current means of a nonreusable chemical, lithium hydroxide, for removing the metabolic CO₂ of an astronaut in a space suit. Testing indicates that a viable low-volume metal oxide concept can be used in the portable life support system for CO₂ removal during Space Station extravehicular activity (EVA). A canister of nearly the same volume as that used for the Space Shuttle, containing 0.10 ft³ (2.8 liters) of silver-oxide-based pellets, was tested; test data analysis indicates that 0.18 ft³ (5.1 liters) of the metal oxide will result in an 8-hour EVA capability. The testing suggests that the metal oxide technology offers a low-volume approach for a reusable CO₂ removal concept applicable for at least 40 EVA missions. The development and testing of the breadboard regeneration package is also described.