Inside a spacecraft, advanced oxygen generation systems use electrolysis to produce life-saving air for astronauts in zero gravity (Photo: Pinterest)
It's not as clear as breath in all space for life which is possible with the Earth. Once astronauts have left this planet, the systems generate oxygen for them and quite a lot of normal physical behaviors do not apply in zero gravity or in microgravity conditions.
Engineers and scientists have designed clever technologies whereby ordinary water is converted into life sustaining oxygen through methods which have been adapted specifically to suit space environments.
In the cruelest environment of space, keeping an astronaut breathing provides the most important dimension of survival. Primary oxygen production systems work all the time, while backup oxygen supplies are meant as safety net when the major system fails. There exist several such backs up of oxygen supply in spacecrafts, which are usually compressed oxygen tanks or chemical oxygen generators that could be turned on in times of emergencies or failure of other systems.
These tanks store oxygen in a high-pressure state, ready to release breathable air and Chemical generators produce oxygen through controlled chemical reactions. Both fallback possibilities ensure that astronauts are never left without oxygen by the performance of any onboard systems.
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The spacecraft on onboard oxygen generating systems to keep humans alive throughout extended missions and the most sophisticated technology engaged in this regard is that of electrolyzing water. This process involves the application of an electric current to separate water molecules into gaseous oxygen and hydrogen.
Water used in this system most frequently comes from recycling numerous types of sources on the spacecraft including water vapor from the exhaled breath of astronauts, moisture from sweating and even urine. Recycling ensures constant availability of oxygen, whilst at the same time not requiring that exceedingly huge water supplies be carried into space, saving valuable cargo space and weight.
Electrolysis is the key technology sustaining astronauts through renewable sources of oxygen and electrolysis in zero gravity does pose some challenges separating the gases produced through electrolysis may be complicated in the absence of gravity. This requires particular equipment not to interfere with this system via bubbles. It is expected that electrolysis derives continuous power, generally supplied by solar panels. Here lies one of the challenges of power system management.
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The hydrogen byproduct is either vented into space or used up in chemical reactions to create more water, thus improving the system efficiency. Despite all of these, electrolysis still remains the bedrock infrastructure of life support systems on the International Space Station and future deep-space missions.
To supplement the existing oxygen generation systems the scientists are looking towards new innovative ways such as artificial photosynthesis. It studies how plants make their own food converting carbon dioxide and sunlight into oxygen and energy-rich compounds.
For spacecraft, artificial photosynthesis could convert the exhalations of astronaut's carbon dioxide back into oxygen, thus increasing air recycling efficiency. In time, this all-encompassing promise of creating a nearly self-sufficient ecosystem will free man from constant resupplying missions allowing for much longer space missions. Although it is still in development, artificial photosynthesis is expected to be revolutionary with regard to life support in space.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace expert advice on space technology or astronaut life support systems.
