Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31606: Tracking CO2 in Space: A Student-Driven Experiment on the ISS

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a byproduct of human respiration, and monitoring its levels aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is critical to astronaut health. The NanoRacks-Maranatha Christian Schools-Measuring CO2 Levels experiment empowered students to engage directly in space research.

Led by Maranatha Christian Schools and supported by the Lowell Center for Space Science and Technology, the experiment launched during Expedition 39/40. It focused on measuring how CO2 builds up in enclosed, microgravity environments and how efficiently the station’s air systems manage it.

Using custom-built sensors, students recorded CO2 data at multiple time points and locations aboard the ISS. These measurements helped pinpoint areas of poor circulation and test the responsiveness of life support systems.

One key finding was how microgravity changes air movement. Without gravity to assist natural airflow, CO2 can linger in stagnant zones. Identifying and mitigating these zones is essential for astronaut well-being.

This experiment provided not only critical environmental data but also an educational experience in data analysis, sensor design, and scientific collaboration. Students developed skills in teamwork, engineering, and space science while directly impacting ISS operations.

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