The Perseverance rover synthesized oxygen from the Martian atmosphere

[zakiyatasnim]

It has become known that the six-wheeled Perseverance rover, located on the surface of Mars, using an experimental compact device as part of the Mars Oxygen In-situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE), managed to obtain oxygen from the atmosphere of the Red Planet for the first time. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States, this happened on April 20, on the 60th day of the rover's stay on Mars.



what was once considered science fiction a reality. Producing and storing oxygen on the surface of Mars is one of the most important challenges that must be solved for the successful development of the planet. MOXIE technology is just the first step in a direction that could eventually lead to humans being able to produce and store oxygen directly on Mars.

“This is an important first step in converting carbon dioxide to oxygen on Mars. MOXIE has a lot of work to do, but the results of this technology demonstration are promising as we move closer to our goal of one day seeing humans on Mars. Oxygen is not just something we breathe. It is used in rocket fuel, and future explorers will depend on producing fuel kenya number data on Mars to be able to return home,” said Jim Reuter, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Technology Directorate (STDM).

As for the experiment itself, it began with the preparation of a special device, which took about two hours. After an hour of operation, MOXIE produced 5.4 grams of oxygen, which is enough to support the life of an astronaut for about 10 minutes. Experts have calculated that 7 tons of rocket fuel and 25 tons of oxygen will be required for the launch of a rocket with four astronauts from the surface of Mars. At the same time, one ton of oxygen will be enough to support the life of astronauts on the surface of the Red Planet. Delivering 25 tons of oxygen from Earth is a difficult task, so scientists consider it more optimal to transport a large oxygen converter weighing one ton to Mars. Such a device could produce oxygen in sufficient quantities, so its use looks more appropriate.



The atmosphere of Mars is 96% carbon dioxide. The principle of operation of the device, which is part of the American Mars rover, is to separate oxygen atoms from carbon dioxide molecules. As a result of this process, carbon monoxide is released into the Martian atmosphere. It is also worth noting that such a conversion process requires maintaining a temperature of about 800° C. For this, the MOXIE block is made of heat-resistant materials, some of which are printed on a 3D printer and made of nickel alloy. A lightweight aerogel is also used to retain heat. On the outside of the case, the device has its own thin gold coating, which helps reflect infrared heat, preventing it from escaping and causing damage to other parts of the rover.