Lightweight and Regenerable CO₂ and H₂O Sequestration System

The research introduces a compact, lightweight, and regenerable non-venting CO₂ and H₂O architecture for use in Portable Life Support Systems (PLSSs). The architecture integrates spray-based absorption and chemical stripping, featuring a novel gravity-independent Capillary Condensing Heat Exchanger (CCHX) to condense and separate water vapor. A fine-droplet spray reactor enhances CO₂ absorption into a low-viscosity ionic liquid (IL), maximizing efficiency while minimizing mass and volume. The CO₂-rich, droplet-laden flow then passes through a Multiplexed Inertial Filter (MIF), which captures and collects the IL for subsequent stripping and recirculation. For regeneration, a low-power chemical stripping process converts the CO₂ into a solid, storing it without venting. This approach eliminates the need for energy-intensive thermal/vacuum desorption or gas compression, maintaining a closed loop with continuous CO2 uptake and storage. The resulting solid can be reprocessed at a habitat, enabling repeated use. The system meets CO₂ and H₂O requirements for an eight-hour extravehicular activity while adhering to strict mass (<12 lbm) and volume (<10″×8″×5″) constraints critical for partial-gravity. By combining advanced transport technologies, lightweight materials, capillary-driven condensation, optimized IL spraying, and efficient chemical stripping, this design delivers superior resource efficiency, reduced mass, and reliable closed-loop CO₂/H₂O management. The approach diverges from traditional systems, which rely on solids or sorbents with water and high-energy regeneration requirements by leveraging water-free ILs and low-energy chemical sequestration. The significance of this innovation is profound for long-duration Mars missions: (1) By sequestering CO₂ and H₂O without venting, the system preserves water and oxygen—critical for EVA duration and habitat sustainability—reducing reliance on Earth resupply and enhancing mission autonomy. (2) With an onboard mass of ~ 9.2 lbm during EVA the system beats the < 12 lbm limit, and net power consumption of ~ 20–25 W, it aligns with PLSS constraints, enabling lightweight, energy-efficient designs for extended EVAs. (3) The water-free, thermally stable Ionic Liquid and non-volatile nature are ideal for Mars. (4) The closed-loop recycling at the habitat regenerates chemicals supporting long-term operations and reducing waste. (5) The system advances PLSS capabilities beyond current state-of-the-art offering a non-venting, regenerable solution.

A compact, lightweight, non-venting CO₂/H₂O system offers NASA multiple applications. For EVA suits, its low mass and small size suit lunar/Mars missions, preserving resources without venting. In habitats, its closed-loop design and solid CO₂ storage support ISRU, recovering water and enabling O₂ production with low power. For deep space missions, it ensures air quality and water recovery in microgravity, cutting launch mass and consumables. On space stations, it enhances CO₂ scrubbing and sustainability. It could serve as an emergency backup in spacecraft/habitats, sustaining crews during ECLSS failures. For commercial spaceflight, it fits cost-efficient suits/habitats. Aligning with Artemis and Mars goals, this system boosts resource efficiency and sustainability in space. This system integrates multiple advanced technologies for a wide range of applications. At its core is a compact, power-efficient spray-based CO₂ capture process, suitable for both Earth-based and extraterrestrial Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS). In space, it can be used for portable life support systems, space stations, habitats, rovers, and spacecraft where CO₂ scrubbing is essential—offering clear advantages for commercial space ventures. On Earth, potential uses include air revitalization in enclosed or harsh environments such as SCUBA operations, mining, and submarines. The system’s compact design further enables specialized implementations, for aviation, while larger-scale applications, such as Direct Air Capture and industrial CO₂ containment processes, can also benefit from its high-efficiency, low-footprint approach.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — 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.

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