Mars-Bound Carbon Capture Technology Now Carbonates Beer
A carbon-capture system originally developed for NASA's Mars missions has been adapted by Earthly Labs to purify CO2 from brewing processes for carbonation. The technology, which emerged from NASA's SBIR contracts, is now used by breweries, wineries, distilleries, and energy companies to reduce emissions and costs.
The system's lineage stretches back to 1990s NASA Small Business Innovation Research contracts awarded to Pioneer Astronautics, which sought compact, automated equipment for harvesting Martian resources. Founder Robert Zubrin later adapted those subsystems for oil and gas use through Pioneer Energy, then pivoted to brewing with the Craft Brewery Recovery System in 2015. Earthly Labs secured an exclusive license in 2016, and Chart Industries acquired the company in 2021, scaling the technology for larger industrial applications.
Beyond beer, the technology now serves wineries, distilleries, energy firms, and helium producers. Helium extraction is a notable beneficiary, as underground deposits contain carbon dioxide and methane that must be separated. Pandemic-era CO2 shortages and ongoing price volatility have accelerated adoption across these sectors.
This technology could meaningfully reduce operating costs for small and mid-sized beverage producers who face volatile CO2 supply, potentially stabilizing pricing in food and drink markets. It may also create new revenue streams for energy companies selling captured carbon dioxide. However, its broader climate impact depends on whether captured CO2 is permanently sequestered or merely reused, which could limit its contribution to emissions reduction goals.