If the idea of sending people Anthem was once limited to science fiction, NASA He hopes it could become reality by the end of the 2030s.
One of the main obstacles standing in the way is the lack of enough oxygen on Mars.
But scientists have invented a new plasma-based technique for producing and separating oxygen in the Martian environment.
The system not only plays a key role in the development of life support systems, but could also be used to process fuels and create building materials and fertilizers on Mars.
Scientists have invented a new plasma-based technique for producing and separating oxygen in the Martian environment.
The system not only plays a key role in the development of life support systems, but could also be used to process fuels and create building materials and fertilizers on Mars.
Mars’ atmosphere is primarily composed of carbon dioxide, which can be split to produce oxygen and carbon.
But according to researchers from the University of Lisbon, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Sorbonne University, the Eindhoven University of Technology and the Netherlands Institute for Basic Energy Research, there are two major obstacles in the way of producing oxygen on Mars.
“First, the decomposition of carbon dioxide molecules to remove oxygen,” said Dr Vasco Guerra of the University of Lisbon, the study’s author.
‘It’s a very difficult molecule to break.
Second, the separation of the produced oxygen from a gas mixture that also contains, for example, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
‘We look at these two steps holistically to solve both challenges at the same time. This is where plasmas can help.’
Plasma is the fourth natural state of matter, along with solids, liquids, and gases.
It contains free charged particles, such as electrons, that are light and can be easily accelerated to very high energies by electric fields.
“When lead-like electrons collide with a carbon dioxide molecule, they can either directly break it apart or transfer energy to make it vibrate,” said Dr Guerra.
‘This energy can largely be channeled into carbon dioxide decomposition.
Mars’ atmosphere is primarily composed of carbon dioxide, which can be split to produce oxygen and carbon.
‘Together with our colleagues in France and the Netherlands, we have experimentally demonstrated the validity of these theories.
‘Also, the heat generated in the plasma is useful for the separation of oxygen.’
The oxygen produced by this plasma-based technique could be key to creating a breathable environment for settlers.
It can also be used as a starting point to produce fuel and fertilizer, allowing settlers to grow crops on the Martian surface.
Additionally, according to the researchers, the technique could be useful here on Earth.
Plasma technology could also help address climate change on Earth by decomposing carbon dioxide molecules to produce green fuels and recycle chemicals.
The work precedes NASA’s Artemis I mission, which begins August 29, and paves the way for future Moon and Mars missions.
“Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight test that will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our determination and ability to expand human presence to the Moon and beyond,” NASA said.
If the Artemis missions are successful, NASA aims to send astronauts to Mars in the late 2030s or early 2040s.
