Technical Paper
A Semi-Continuous, Regenerable System for Trace Contaminant Control in Closed Atmospheres
2007-07-09
2007-01-3155
Long term space exploration poses considerable challenges in logistics since launch costs, weight, and volume are all limited. In space life support systems contaminants are generated due to the off-gassing of materials of construction and are also a by-product of crew metabolism. While carbon dioxide is a metabolic contaminant, its control is typically accomplished by a dedicated system, whereas the rest of the contaminants are controlled using a trace contaminant control system (TCCS). Currently, NASA employs various TCCS approaches depending on the mission type and duration. In the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) this is accomplished with activated carbon as well as strict control on materials of construction. The activated carbon is thermally regenerated in some EMU applications and the adsorbed contaminants are purged to the International Space Station (ISS) where they are subsequently removed.