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The Regenerable Carbon Dioxide Removal System (RCRS) has been flying on Extended Duration Orbiter (EDO) versions of Shuttle since 1992. Life characteristics of an enhanced sorbent were evaluated after five years of service life on two Orbiter vehicles. Performance data is presented showing excellent carbon dioxide removal. Limited data forces a range of life predictions for the useful life of the sorbent.

This paper presents two quite different solid amine carbon dioxide removal systems that have progressed to manned chamber testing status. The first is a carbon dioxide concentrator that was tested as part of a NASA sponsored 90 Day Manned Test in 1970. It provided a 99+% carbon dioxide stream for further processing. The second system is the Regenerable Carbon Dioxide Removal System (RCRS) currently flying on the extended mission duration version of the Shuttle Orbiter. This system uses an amine that is tailored for overboard venting. It was chamber tested as part of its Certification process. Both chamber test series are discussed and performance data presented.

A regenerable solid amine CO2 control system, which employs water vapor for desorption, is being developed for potential use on long duration space missions. During cyclic operation, CO2 is first absorbed from the cabin atmosphere onto the granular amine. Steam is then used to heat the solid amine bed and desorb the CO2. This paper describes the solid amine system operation and application to the Shuttle Orbiter, Manned Space Platform (MSP) and Space Operations Center (SOC). The importance and interplay of system performance parameters are presented together with supporting data and design characteristics.