How do astronauts breathe aboard the International Space Station?
Quick Answer
The station makes oxygen mainly by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. Carbon dioxide is removed with scrubbers, and some oxygen and water are recycled repeatedly.
The Full Story
Astronauts on the International Space Station breathe air maintained by a life-support system that closely recycles water and air. Oxygen is produced by electrolysis, which uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen; the oxygen is fed into the cabin atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is removed by scrubbers, and some systems on the Russian segment and U.S. segment regenerate or store gases for reuse. This recycling is essential because resupply from Earth is expensive and limited.
Key Facts
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