Space Resource. Life-support systems for manned space flights

In the development of life support systems for long-term space missions, the most important tasks are the absorption of carbon dioxide from the air, the production of carbon dioxide with a concentration above 98 %, and the production of oxygen from carbon dioxide by the Bosch – Sabatier process. To solve these problems, a regenerative carbon dioxide absorber adapted to space flight conditions is required. The article proposes a new method for the production of chemosorbents based on hydrated zirconium oxide using polyacrylates as a binder and polymer matrix. The regenerated absorber of carbon dioxide for its application in space flights must meet the regulatory requirements of sanitary-chemical and toxicological safety of materials intended for the equipment of inhabited sealed rooms, be resistant to radiation and to the effects of mold. In the study of the processes of “sorption – desorption” of carbon dioxide, we have established the relationship between the technological parameters of the synthesis of chemosorbents and the kinetic parameters of the processes of mass-sorption of sorbate in the “sorption – regeneration” cycles. It is found that the optimal weight ratio of the “adsorbent – filler/polymer matrix” 89÷94/11÷6 is optimal in terms of the performance characteristics of the developed absorbers. It is shown experimentally that the main operational characteristics of the developed materials do not change under experimental conditions during 2000 “sorption – regeneration” cycles. The resulting chemosorbents are investigated by physicochemical analysis. Employing methods of gas chromatography and chromatomass spectrometry, we have conducted sanitary and chemical studies and toxicological assessment of the quantitative and qualitative composition of the components of gas release of the developed regenerated carbon dioxide absorber and air-gas mixture formed during the regeneration of the regenerated carbon dioxide absorber. Also we have carried out microbiological tests of samples of the regenerated absorber of carbon dioxide for resistance of material to influence of mold mushrooms. The results obtained confirm the possibility of using the developed materials in life support systems of manned spacecraft for deep space exploration.

Download Full-text

LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS DATA FROM SIXTY-TWO DAYS OF TESTING IN A MANNED SPACE LABORATORY SIMULATOR

10.2514/6.1965-1534 ◽

1965 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

T. SECORD ◽

M. BONURA

Keyword(s):

Life Support ◽

Support Systems ◽

Life Support Systems ◽

Manned Space

Download Full-text

Biotechnical Life Support Systems for Crews of Manned Space Complexes

Aerospace Sphere Journal ◽

10.30981/2587-7992-2020-104-3-82-89 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 82-89

Author(s):

Boris I. Kryuchkov ◽

Vitaly M. Usov ◽

Elena V. Popova

Keyword(s):

Life Support ◽

Support Systems ◽

The State ◽

Life Support Systems ◽

Manned Space ◽

The Creation ◽

Near Future

The article analyzes the state of development and prospects for the creation of biotechnical life support systems for manned space complexes. The main stages and problems of creating these systems are considered. The possibilities of using biotechnical units in modern regenerative physicochemical life support systems and manned complexes in the near future are assessed.

Download Full-text