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Human space initiatives that involve long-duration space voyages and interplanetary missions are possible only with the technologies that enable integration of the air, water, and solid waste treatment systems that minimizes the loss of consumables. However, the capabilities of NASA’s existing environmental control and life support (ECLS) system designs consist of many independent systems that are energy extensive. This paper discusses the concept of an integrated system of CO2 removal and trace contaminant control units that utilizes novel gas separation and purification techniques and optimized thermal and mechanical design for future spacecraft. The integration process will enhance the overall life and economics of the existing systems by eliminating multiple mechanical devices with moving parts.

Chemical processing of the dusty, low-pressure Martian atmosphere for production of propellants and other consumables will require conditioning and compression of the gases as first steps. A temperature-swing adsorption process can perform these tasks using solid-state hardware and with relatively low power consumption compared to alternative processes. The process can also separate the atmospheric constituents, producing both pressurized CO2 and a buffer gas mixture of nitrogen and argon. We have developed and tested adsorption-based compressors with production levels appropriate for near-term robotic flight experiments, which are needed to demonstrate the basic technologies for ISRU-based human exploration missions. In this talk we describe the characteristics, testing, and performance of these devices. We also discuss scale-up issues associated with meeting the processing demands of sample return and human missions.