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Self-Cleaning Boudouard Reactor, Year 2
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Description
Methods exist to sequester the CO2\xad, but production of oxygen needs further development. The Bosch reaction (which reduces CO2 to carbon and O2) is the only real alternative to the Sabatier reaction. The project will build a Boudouard reaction test bed and test various self-cleaning concepts to determine which one is the most reliable in conversion and lack of fouling.
Benefits
By producing a self-cleaning Boudouard reactor the single greatest challenge of the Bosch process is resolved and the full oxygen recovery of the system can be realized. The decrease in consumable requirements will be significant for the ISS and enabling for BEO exploration missions. In addition oxygen production is a limiting factor in ISS population and a system such as this can help improve that number.
Details
| Technology area | Exploration Destination Systems > In Situ Resource Use > Resource Processing for Production of Mission Consumables |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: KSC CIF (KSC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, FL |
| Start date | 2015-10-01 |
| End date | 2016-05-30 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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