2006-08-06 16:29:07 · 6 answers · asked by Westbound 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The ISS has regenerative systems that remove carbon dioxide and moisture from the air. The CO2 is vented overboard and the moisture is stored as liquid water and later re-used.
CO2 can also be removed using litium hydroxide cannisters, but there is a limited supply and these would only be used in the case of the two primary systems both failing.
Oxygen is provided for the most part by using electrolysis to convert water into hydrogran and oxygen. The oxygen is released into the cabin and the hydrogen is vented overboard.
Gaseous oxygen is also dumped directly into the cabin from tanks on the Russian Progress resupply ships sometimes. The US side has approximate 300 to 400 pounds of oxygen stored in tanks but this is primarily used for EVA activities (spacewalks).
Solid Fuel oxygen generator "candles" are also used in the case of other systems failing to be able to provide enough O2 (this is very rare). These are heated up to high temps at which point a chemical reaction starts and produces oxygen for the crew. The limited quantity of these and safety concerns prevent them from being a primary generation method.
Trace contaminants are removed by high temperature catalytic oxidizer beds and other sorbent beds.
Recirculation of the air is done by simple fans and ducting just like in your house. The air is cooled by air/liquid heat exchangers (which also remove humidity).
2006-08-06 16:39:36 · answer #1 · answered by paulie_biggs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have air tanks, air scrubbers, etc. Carbon filters that remove carbon dioxide from the air.
Similar to what is used on Space Shuttle and all man space flights.
We do trips to the station often for supplies and other items. Supplies do include replacing oxygen tanks.
2006-08-06 23:32:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Complex ventilation systems with oxygen supplies, recirculation fans, carbon CO2 scrubbers, computers to monitor the O2 levels, and extreme measures against leaks into space.
2006-08-06 23:34:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's the oxygen tanks that are being stored there. Or it could be like a plane where the air gets recycled over and over. That's why the air is so stale. However, I tink it's the oxygen tanks.
2006-08-06 23:33:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch or read Apollo 13 I believe that this is really close to factual.
2006-08-07 09:39:52 · answer #5 · answered by legalbambino 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
fans recirculate air you retard
2006-08-10 17:22:00 · answer #6 · answered by melanie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋