EMU LiOH Life Extension Testing

The NASA Extra-Vehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) has two methodologies for CO2 removal. Lithium-Hydroxide (LiOH) was an Apollo heritage technology that was used in the EMU throughout the Space Shuttle Program and into the International Space Station (ISS) Program. The EMU Contamination Control Cartridge (CCC) containing LiOH has been largely phased out in favor of a regenerable silver-oxide system called known as Metal Oxide (METOX). In late 2015, the EMU program began a shelf-life extension study on the remaining stock of LiOH CCCs to determine their suitability for use on future Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs). The Crew and Thermal Systems Division at NASA’s Johnson Space Center developed a test system and methodology for ground testing of these canisters to evaluate potential degradation of the unused canisters due to aging. This paper covers the development of the test system, methodology, and the results of the testing and its impact on the future use of LiOH in CO2 removal systems.