Novel, Vacuum-Regenerable Trace Contaminant Control System for Advanced Spacesuit Applications

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to further develop and mature a robust, practical, durable Trace Contaminant Control (TCC) bed design that can be integrated in a Portable Life Support System (PLSS) for NASA’s application. The basis for this technology has been successfully demonstrated in the ongoing Phase II effort. The resulting breakthrough innovation offers compact TCC canister permitting integration into the PLSS backpack without compromising the available volume, capability for vacuum regeneration allowing very low power requirement, operation with low pressure drop facilitating the use of existing fan, and tolerance to humid process air with minimal impact on the TCC bed capture efficiency. In Phase II, the proposed tasks were completed to develop, fabricate, and demonstrate TRL-4, compact, low pressure drop, vacuum-regenerable TCC hardware prototypes based on the novel approach combined with high-surface-area Microlith substrates for efficient removal of NH3 and HCHO. In Phase II-E, we will build on Phase II success to further develop, mature the design, and demonstrate a TRL-5 TCC prototype for full-scale operation and to perform extended life-cycle and environmental (e.g., vibrational) testing at the anticipated operational conditions. This effort will continue to utilize the salient features of PCI’s novel TCC approach developed in Phase II and will be valuable to NASA as it is anticipated to significantly reduce the known spacesuit technical risks and increase mission capability/durability/efficiency.

Targeted NASA applications will be in advanced spacesuit PLSS with key potential customers including Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center and private sector customers targeted for use for the Exploration EMU (xEMU), Lunar Gateway, the International Space Station and associated crewed missions traveling to and from those orbiting platforms as well as for Lunar and Martian bases. An additional NASA application may include future ISRU concepts to be utilized on the Moon or Mars.

Targeted non-NASA commercial applications include commercial aircraft air purification systems and for military vehicle cabins such as in aircraft, ships and submarines. One of the biggest markets for this technology would be commercial buildings where it can have significant impact on the demand control ventilation by reducing make-up air, resulting in a significant decrease in energy cost.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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