The Chinese space station has taken a big step forward in resource management. Now, it can produce 100% of its own oxygen thanks to an onboard regeneration system.
The news was presented during a space technology conference in Harbin, the capital of China's Heilongjiang province. During the meeting, participants received a video greeting from the crew of Shenzhou-15, which is currently in Earth orbit.
Because it is an important qualitative leap
Bianqiang, director of the Environmental Control and Life Support Engineering Bureau of the China Astronaut Center, explains that this development represents a fundamental transformation.
Life support control of Chinese spacecraft has shifted from an approach based on "refilling" with oxygen to one based on "regenerating" oxygen.
Chinese space station. Air and water, thank you
The regeneration system on board the Chinese space station consists of six subsystems. They deal with: production of oxygen through the electrolysis of water, removal of carbon dioxide, elimination of harmful gases, urine treatment, water treatment and production of water through carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
Bian reported that the six advanced systems are currently running stably, and in addition to the 100% regenerated oxygen, they also recycle 95% of water resources. This allows us to reduce the amount of supplies needed from Earth by as much as six tons per year.
In short (Italian only)
Bian says the system's technology is among the best in the world: it is, in effect, a leap forward in space exploration.
Creating an environment that is self-sufficient in oxygen production for astronauts could be a game-changer for future missions and for human life in space.
Chapeau, China!
