Study of Sabatier Catalyst Performance for a Mars ISRU Propellant Production PlantNASA is currently developing technologies for use in the field of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). One of the technologies being advanced is the Sabatier, or methanation, reactor which converts carbon dioxide and hydrogen into methane gas and water at high temperatures. This paper discusses the catalyst life and performance issues for these reactors that would be expected on Mars and describes the test methods employed and observed results. The various catalysts were tested in their capacity for the continuous production of methane gas via the Sabatier reaction and the possible effects of launch vibration loads, exposure to liquid water, particulate contamination, and chemical contamination to the overall observed reaction efficacy of the catalysts evaluated.
Document ID
20190027280
Acquisition Source
Kennedy Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Franco, Carolina (AECOM Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Devor, Robert W. (Southeastern Universities Research Association Washington, DC, United States)
Snyder, Sarah J. (AECOM Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Petersen, Elspeth M. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Hintze, Paul E. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Date Acquired
July 12, 2019
Publication Date
July 7, 2019
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
KSC-E-DAA-TN68551
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES) 2019