Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are significantly higher on the International Space Station (ISS) than on Earth. CO2 concentrations on the ISS typically range from 3,000 to 6,500 ppm, whereas on Earth, outdoor CO2 levels are around 300-500 ppm. This higher CO2 level is due to the enclosed space, where astronauts breathe and exhale, and the limited capacity to remove CO2 compared to Earth's atmosphere.
Normal CO2 Levels on Earth:
The Earth's atmosphere naturally contains around 400 ppm of CO2.
CO2 Levels on the ISS:
Minimum ambient CO2 concentrations on the ISS are around 3,000 ppm, but can rise above 6,500 ppm.This is a significant increase compared to Earth's levels.
Factors Affecting CO2 Levels on the ISS:
Enclosed Environment:The ISS is a closed-loop life support system, so CO2 builds up from the astronauts' respiration.
On U.S. Navy submarines, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a primary contaminant in the atmosphere, requiring continuous removal. Submarines operate with CO2 levels significantly higher than normal atmospheric conditions, typically 2000-5000 ppm, and sometimes reaching 10,000 ppm or higher. Submarines utilize both regenerative and non-regenerative methods to remove CO2, including electrically-powered regenerative scrubbers and lithium hydroxide canisters.
*** The famous quote "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" was spoken by Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first inaugural address on March 4, 1933.
