Study of Air Re-vitalization System Aimed to Moon foothold

Abstract

After the completion of the ISS program, the main arena human space activities could move from low-Earth orbit to the Moon in the future. In preparation for such development, JAXA cosiders a future ‘‘international human lunar base’’that might be developed as the place where Japan could fully utilize, maintain and further develop its capability for conduction human space activies. Since the moon is a test-bed for Mars, permanent lunar bases are a logical outgrowth of initial lunar exploration. For brief visits, the lunar base requires only stored oxygen and water, but a permanent lunar base must recycle oxygen and water to reduce transporatation costs. These kind activities will give a great suggestion to sustainable society. A conceptual model of a life support system using physicochemical treatment to circulate the material has been designed. The carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which is exhaled by astronauts is separated and concentrated with zeolite. A gas Mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen is supplied from one side of the Sabatier reactor. The gas gose through the reactor and is heated, then the first Sabatier reaction occurred. The unique poit of this new water electrolysis system is suitable to connecting Sabatier reactor because of vapor which is generated by Sabatier reaction could directly electrolyze without condensation module. This paper describes test results of the main system elements and preliminary test results of the oxygen and hydrogen production system.. Keyword(s)