Our new Carbon Dioxide/Hydrogen Recovery System (CHRSy) is targeted at improving the efficiency and reliability of gas processing in manned space exploration and for processing of atmospheric gases on Mars. In a project part-funded by the UK Space Agency we are currently building a full demonstrator Advanced Closed Loop Life Support System (ACLS) including a fully integrated oxygen generator and CHRSy carbon dioxide reactor.
Our CHRSy reactor allows the efficient and reliable continuous processing of CO2, recycling of hydrogen from water electrolysis along with production of oxygen within an off-world life support system. Further applications include in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) through processing of atmospheric CO2 on Mars which will allow production of oxygen for breathing and carbon-based compounds for use as fuels and in manufacturing.