Carbon Dioxide Collection and Pressurization Technology

In Situ Resource Utilization(ISRU) is a key technology required to enable missions to the Moon and Mars. The Martian atmosphere consists of 95% carbon dioxide which can be used in (ISRU) processes to synthesize propellant and life support consumables. Reactive Innovation proposes to develop a lightweight electrochemical reactor to collect and pressurize CO2 from the Martian atmosphere. The Phase I successfully demonstrated collection and pressurization of CO2 from pure and dilute gas streams. In the proposed Phase II program, we will continue to optimize components and scale up the technology to meet the needs of NASA's ISRU processing applications.

This technology has significant NASA applications in ISRU processing on Mars, where carbon dioxide is a plentiful resource and can be processed to make propellants and oxygen. Other NASA applications include air revitalization.

In addition to NASA, this technology will have significant terrestrial-based applications. The market for collecting and separating carbon dioxide from other gases is expected to grow with continued interest and emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.

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.