This project proposes to study the feasibility of convertingco and CO2, natural by-products of men and other "engines" in space, into usable fuels such as methane. A survey will be conducted to identify the suitable reactions for the process. The thermodynamics of the candidate reactions and the effectiveness of various catalysts will be studied. Theeffect of a gravity-free environment will be addressed. A small particle/gas mixture will be utilized as the working fluid for the proposed conversion process. The heat/mass transfer and flow characteristics for the mixture in a gravity-free environment will be identified. A preliminary design of a small particle/gas catalytic thermal reactor (SPCTR) for methane production in space will be proposed and its general feasibility for practical application will be evaluated.
