Scientists from the Russian Federation intend to develop a system for processing carbon dioxide exhaled by a person into potable water - such a system, according to official representatives of NIIkhimmash (the main structure of the Russian Federation for creating life support systems for space), will allow organizing truly long space missions.
The system will be tested on astronauts who live and work aboard the International Space Station. Currently, the ISS does not collect the carbon dioxide produced by humans - air absorbers installed at the station simply throw CO2 overboard.
This, according to scientists, is rather ineffective. In order to remedy the situation, a new technology will come in handy, thanks to which it will be possible not only to get rid of carbon dioxide on the ISS, but also to receive drinking water.
“The limiting concentration for CO2 is half a percent of the air volume. If the concentration is higher, then people who inhale such air are exposed to various negative effects. For example, they experience weakness and headache. If the concentration of carbon dioxide is higher than thirteen percent, then there is a lethal outcome,”the scientists say.
Kolesnikov Andrey