A team of researchers has proposed an innovative method for harvesting oxygen from the Martian atmosphere. The concept, described in a study published in the Journal of Applied Physics, outlines a process that harnesses non-thermal plasma technology to separate oxygen from carbon dioxide amidst Mars-like conditions.
The approach relies on a cold plasma state in which energetic free electrons coexist with relatively cool, non-ionized gas molecules. This state is typically sustained by electrical discharges. The researchers propose that the energized electrons can assist in pulling oxygen atoms away from carbon dioxide molecules, after which the resulting oxygen can be captured through selective membranes. In laboratory simulations that mimic Martian temperature and pressure, a prototype achieved conversion of up to approximately one third of carbon dioxide into oxygen, demonstrating a measurable on-site production potential.
Proponents of the method argue that it offers a comparatively low-cost, reliable option that requires minimal external power input and scales well for field use. They suggest it could outperform the MOXIE system currently aboard the Perseverance rover in terms of practicality for sustained oxygen generation on future expeditions. MOXIE functions as a pilot plant, capable of producing more than two kilograms of oxygen per hour but with a heavier overall mass around 17 kilograms for the system.
The broader significance of this work lies in its potential to broaden the toolkit for in-situ resource utilization on Mars, reducing the dependence on Earth-delivered supply lines and enhancing mission flexibility for human exploration. The researchers emphasize that while laboratory results are promising, further testing under realistic Martian environmental dynamics will determine the readiness of this plasma-based process for long-term operation on the planet’s surface. In the field of space chemistry, innovations like this contribute to a growing portfolio of techniques aimed at turning Mars into a more self-sufficient outpost, inching closer to realistic, practical oxygen production scenarios on extraterrestrial terrain. (Citation: Journal of Applied Physics)