Preparing for the Mars Mission: Insulation and Waste Gas Analysis
NASA's Objectives for Space Exploration
NASA has set a goal to have humans walk on an asteroid by 2025 as a preparation step for the first human landing on Mars in the year 2030.
Long-Term Effects of Isolation on Astronauts
One part of the preparation for this project involves studying the long-term effects of isolation on astronauts. To test this, a small habitat was created on the slope of a volcano. This habitat consists of a dome with a diameter of 11 meters and a workspace the size of a shipping container. Five people lived together in this habitat for a period of 120 days, conducting scientific experiments.
Research into Gases from Waste Products
One of these experiments was conducted by Anne Caracci. She researched the gases released from waste products. The crew's waste was separated and stored, and the gases released during the decomposition process were analyzed using a Gasmet FTIR analyzer. The composition of the gases is important for both safety and health reasons. Additionally, there is interest in determining whether a Trash-to-Gas reactor can convert the crew's waste into useful substances such as water, oxygen, and fuel.
Results of the Gasmet FTIR Analysis
The results of the tests with the Gasmet FTIR analyzer revealed the presence of 24 different volatile organic compounds such as methane and ethylene. Two of the most common gases from the stored waste were ethanol and water (due to hygienic wipes and cleaning products). In the laboratory where plants were grown, the concentration of methane was significantly lower than in the surrounding areas.
Development of the Trash-to-Gas Reactor
By gaining a better understanding of waste streams during a Mars mission, it becomes possible to further develop the Trash-to-Gas reactor. Currently, the reactor produces approximately 9% of the energy needed for the mission. With further optimization, it may be possible to improve efficiency, bringing a manned mission to Mars one step closer.