A report describes a small, lightweight sorption compressor that is now undergoing development for use in collecting CO2 from the atmosphere on Mars. This compressor would be part of a system that would use the CO2 to generate oxygen and a carbon-based fuel for a spacecraft to return specimens to Earth. Unlike mechanical compressors, a sorption compressor has few moving parts and thus has potential for greater reliability.
This work was done by Donald Rapp and Paul Karlmann of the California Institute of Technology for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NPO-20353
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Sorption compressor for collecting atmospheric carbon dioxide on Mars
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Overview
The document discusses the development of a zeolite adsorption compressor designed for the extraction and compression of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) on Mars. This technology is a crucial component of a Mars in-situ propellant production system, which aims to convert CO₂ into oxygen and fuel for return missions to Earth. The compressor operates by taking advantage of the cold Martian nighttime environment, where atmospheric CO₂ is preferentially adsorbed by the zeolite sorbent material. During the day, solar energy is used to heat the sorbent, causing the adsorbed CO₂ to desorb and become pressurized for use in chemical conversion processes.
The document outlines several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the compressor's efficiency and longevity. These challenges include optimizing the sorbent material's adsorption characteristics, preventing the accumulation of non-CO₂ gases, ensuring efficient heating during the day, and effective cooling at night. The compressor must also be designed to be lightweight, compact, and rugged enough to withstand the harsh Martian environment, including significant daily and seasonal temperature variations.
The average atmospheric pressure on Mars is approximately 6 torr, and the compressor must be capable of compressing CO₂ from this low pressure to a higher pressure suitable for the conversion process. The document emphasizes the importance of efficient insulation to minimize heat loss, as the primary energy source for generating pressurized CO₂ is limited solar energy. The compressor is expected to operate autonomously for 500-600 days, producing enough propellant for a return flight to Earth, which presents a significant technical challenge given the variable weather conditions on Mars.
Overall, the document highlights the preliminary design and ongoing fabrication of a full-scale Mars CO₂ adsorption compressor, which is scheduled for testing. This innovative technology represents a significant step toward enabling sustainable human exploration of Mars by facilitating the production of essential resources directly from the Martian atmosphere.
