Thermal Amine Scrubber (TAS)

The Thermal Amine Scrubber is an Exploration‑class CO₂ removal system designed to demonstrate long‑duration, regenerable amine‑based atmospheric revitalization on the International Space Station (ISS). TAS serves as a technology pathfinder for future deep‑space missions that require high‑reliability CO₂ scrubbing with minimal resupply mass.

System Architecture and Function:

TAS uses a swing‑bed adsorption/desorption cycle with multiple amine sorbent beds (A/B/C/D), driven by a set of valves, heaters, and a desiccant wheel for water management.
• The unit interfaces with ISS command and control through a USB‑based Arcturus/DAN interface using authenticated security keys validated in software end‑to‑end testing, ensuring safe uplink command protection
• The system includes a blower, vacuum valve assembly, Bulk Water Save Valve, and heater banks, which execute the regeneration portion of the amine cycle.
• Integration testing historically occurred in piece‑parts using emulators, with no single fully end‑to‑end test before initial deployment 

1. Improved Atmospheric Revitalization Performance

TAS is targeted to achieve 2 mmHg CO₂ partial pressure with 4‑crew operation as part of exploration‑class environmental control requirements. This capability reduces crew exposure to higher CO₂ levels and improves overall cabin habitability.

2. Regenerable, Low‑Resupply CO₂ Removal

Unlike consumable systems, TAS’ thermal amine beds regenerate each cycle, reducing or eliminating consumables and enabling more sustainable long‑duration missions.

3. Independence and Redundancy for ISS CO₂ Scrubbing

During hardware outages such as 4Bed CO₂ Scrubber anomalies, TAS provides a valuable backup scrubbing capability, improving system resilience 

4. Enables Exploration‑Relevant Failure Response and Autonomous Operation

TAS testing reveals how an exploration‑grade system behaves under:
• component degradation (Solid State Relay (SSR), Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) card, Field Effect Transistor (FET) overheating)
• software parameter resets (e.g., Bulk Water Save Valve mis‑drive after V36 firmware) 
• water‑loss sensitivity due to humidity‑control architecture
These lessons are crucial for deep‑space vehicles where ground support is delayed and hardware redundancy is limited.

5. Architecture Pathfinding for Mars Transit Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS)

TAS is formally tracked under ECLSS Evolution—the Mars Campaign Office’s maturation portfolio  
Its performance data, failure modes, and operational insights directly feed into next‑generation life‑support trade studies, including sorbent selection, blower reliability, power quality sensitivity, and long‑duration wear mechanisms.

6. Improved Water Balance Understanding

TAS testing provides high‑resolution evaluation of water vapor removal and water‑loss behaviors, which influence ISS and future spacecraft water balance, power budgeting, and crew metabolic planning

This is a mature technology (TRL 8) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.