Going to Space to Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions On Earth

NASA astronaut Serena Aun Chancellor works on Cemsicas gas separation membranes experiment onboard the International Space Station.

NASA astronaut Serena Auñón-Chancellor works on Cemsica's gas separation membranes experiment onboard the International Space Station.

Media Credit: NASA

An International Space Station (ISS) National Lab investigation that recently launched on Northrop Grumman CRS-10 could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions on Earth. The investigation, from Houston-based startup Cemsica, aims to leverage microgravity to improve the manufacture of artificial membranes that could be used to separate and capture carbon dioxide from gases released during energy production.

Knowledge gained from synthesizing the membranes in microgravity could be applied to improve the manufacturing process back on the ground. Results from this project could lead not only to improved membranes but also to membranes that are more energy- and cost-efficient. Learn more about Cemsica’s investigation in the video below.