while allowing air to flow through to the other side of the device. The device, built by student engineers, should be able to capture simulated toxic carbon dioxide molecules represented by pepper, cocoa powder, etc. This will allow a group of astronauts heading to Mars to survive in an atmosphere that would be otherwise inhospitable. In this activity, the class has been tasked by NASA to develop a device to recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Procedures The instrument will be sent to the Red Planet on board the Mars 2020 rover. This diagram shows the various parts of MOXIE, a small instrument designed to convert Mars' carbon dioxide atmosphere into breathable air for future astronauts.

If successful, this technique will allow us to use an abundant resource on Mars to create a breathable environment for astronauts. By the 2030s, it's possible NASA could send a larger version of MOxIE to Mars, and allow the system to run and create a safe, habitable area before astronauts even arrive.

To test this technique, NASA will send a small instrument called Mars Oxygen In Situ Resource Utilization Experiment, or MOxIE, to the Red Planet in 2020 aboard the Mars 2020 rover. One technique under consideration for Mars is to use chemistry and catalysis to transform the Red Planet’s harsh and unbreathable carbon dioxide atmosphere directly into oxygen. That means we need technology capable of producing breathable air over a longer time period. But on Mars, we can’t easily resupply the LiOH canisters. On the ISS, when filtration canisters are used up, we can send more on supply rockets. Image credit: NASAīut when it comes to a future human mission to Mars, things get a bit more complicated. This diagram shows the interactions between the various life support systems on the International Space Station, including the air filtration system that removes toxic carbon dioxide from the air.

Having one or two of these boxes prepared allows students to test their filters when they are ready and cuts down on resource needs.

On the opposite end, cut out a large section and attach a piece of tissue paper over the hole to demonstrate successful airflow.

Cut a hole in one end of the box that allows air to flow in from the hairdryer or fan.

The testing apparatus can be constructed in advance: Instructor Guide – download PDF Management Hairdryer or personal fan (airflow source)

Use stoichiometry to determine how many filters are needed for a prolonged, human space mission.īlack pepper, cocoa powder OR another small particulate.

Build and test a filter capable of 'scrubbing' carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere while allowing air to flow.

Design an air-recycling system capable of capturing simulated carbon dioxide so astronauts can breath safely while on the International Space Station or a future Mars mission.

Clean space station