Methane Pyrolysis Technology as Part of Life Support and ISRU Systems; Design Trade-Off Supported by Breadboarding

EADS SPACE Transportation investigates Methane Pyrolysis in the perspective of long-duration exploration missions. In particular this process, which recovers Hydrogen from Methane, allows reaching the maximum closure level of the Air Revitalization System ARES. Past studies are reviewed in the light of today's technical advancement and a technology trade-off, supported by breadboarding, is performed.

Accordingly, current activities do concentrate on

• Critical technology selection and feasibility demonstration including breadboarding and testing,
• Methane Pyrolysis Assembly (MPA) operational interfaces with ARES
• Potential applications of MPA for other exploration capabilities, like in-situ resources utilization (Moon and Mars)

The paper presents the achievements so far.