Apollo Command Module LiOH Canister

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  • Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) canister used in the Command Module Environmental Control System.
  • Also known as a carbon dioxide absorber element, or scrubber.
  • Contains lithium hydroxide to absorb carbon dioxide, and carbon to remove odors from the cabin air.
  • Two were used at a time, and they were alternately changed every 12 hours.
  • Apollo 15 Stowage List indicates a total of 30 canisters were taken for the typical lunar flight.
  • A similar Apollo Command Module LiOH canister may be available for sale. See Artifacts FOR SALE.

This type of LiOH canister was made famous by the Apollo 13 mission, where the astronauts were forced to move into the Lunar Module (LM) for most of the flight. Having exhausted the capacity of the LM LiOH canisters, the Command Module (CM) canisters were needed. However, the square  CM canisters did not fit into the round LM openings. So a workaround was devised using the CM canisters with hoses, tape, and other items.

Also see:

LM LiOH canister:

8 lbs. (4 kg)

NASA photo of the modified CM LiOH canister aboard the Apollo 13 LM..

For an enlarged view:

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