0
$\begingroup$

It is said that NASA used 100-percent-Oxygen artificial atmosphere in their spacecrafts prior to Apollo 1. I do not understand how NASA planned to maintain this atmosphere, as even the human flatulence is composed of: Nitrogen: 20-90% Hydrogen: 0-50% (flammable) Carbon dioxide: 10-30% Oxygen: 0-10% Methane: 0-10% (flammable)

In a space settlement with an atmosphere consisting of only Oxygen and Nitrogen, how would the Methane be dealt with?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
6
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ After some days in a 100 % oxygen atmosphere human flatulence would contain no nitrogen. $\endgroup$
    – Uwe
    Feb 5, 2020 at 17:22
  • $\begingroup$ Then it is related to the air we breathe. Thank you. $\endgroup$
    – loceteg166
    Feb 5, 2020 at 17:36
  • $\begingroup$ Methane could be removed by passing the air over a hot catalyst. CH4+2O2=>CO2+2H2O. $\endgroup$
    – Solomon Slow
    Feb 5, 2020 at 18:07
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ Re, "I do not understand how NASA planned to maintain this atmosphere..." They didn't plan to maintain it. The duration of those early space flights were measured in hours. Even the moon missions, were short enough that their only real concerns were replacing oxygen and removing CO2. $\endgroup$
    – Solomon Slow
    Feb 5, 2020 at 18:15
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ During the flight outside the atmosphere the whole Apollo mission used a 100 % oxygen atmosphere inside the spacecraft as well as in the suits. $\endgroup$
    – Uwe
    Mar 26, 2020 at 22:38

0

Reset to default

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.