One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind
With the Artemis missions, NASA aims to build on Neil Armstrong’s legendary words and achieve a new milestone for humanity: a permanent crewed lunar station in orbit. The life support systems inside the spacesuit play a key role in this effort.
And innovative approaches are needed for more than just oxygen supply. In a closed system such as a spacesuit, exhaled CO₂ accumulates very quickly. Even low concentrations can cause dizziness or headaches; higher levels can be life-threatening. The suits therefore require a reliable system for effective CO₂ removal. This is exactly where NASA saw significant potential for improvement.
Demand-based control of CO₂ removal
Tests had shown that the previous CO₂ scrubbing system had weaknesses. It did not operate reliably, and the continuous airflow used to remove CO₂ interfered with communication between astronauts. The airflow created noise inside the helmet. How low can airflow rates be reduced without CO₂ reaching dangerous levels? That was the question that needed to be answered.
Our CAP201 capnography module, together with our sensor expertise, helped NASA answer that question. Our adaptable module was initially used in a variety of tests. Over the past several months, NASA used it to investigate and demonstrate how airflow inside the spacesuit can be controlled based on demand and real-time measurements without compromising astronaut safety.
What convinced NASA?
The CAP201 has already proven itself over many years in safety-critical applications in emergency medicine, clinical settings, and MRI environments. It stands out for its exceptional reliability and robustness and only needs to be calibrated once. That particular feature made it highly attractive to NASA.
After receiving the order, we adapted the module’s hardware and software last year to meet the specific requirements of a space mission. It now features a very compact housing that takes up minimal space inside the spacesuit. In addition, we equipped the NASA capnography module with a special pressure sensor. This helps ensure reliable CO₂ monitoring even under changing pressure conditions inside the new spacesuit. The module can also communicate in real time with the other components of the scrubbing system via a new I2C interface.
“…as safety-focused developers, they asked the right questions from the very beginning of the project.”
The project timeline was extremely ambitious. Thanks to the excellent collaboration, fast response times, and precise, solution-oriented approaches on both sides, it was even possible to skip a prototype phase, which shortened the overall project duration. NASA’s technical lead on the project was also impressed by Corscience’s sensor expertise: “…as safety-focused developers, they asked the right questions from the very beginning of the project.”
Use on the Moon
Exactly when NASA will send the Artemis IV crew to the Moon in the new suits has not yet been finalized. Testing is still underway, and several challenges still need to be overcome. The new spacesuits are already scheduled to be put to the test during a spacewalk as part of the Artemis III mission. We are very proud that our capnography module, together with our team’s know-how, was able to make a significant contribution to the development of new technologies for such a prestigious and important mission.
