The chemical compounds found in the soil of the Moon would allow the conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen and fuel. It is the finding of a team of scientists from China and has been published in the scientific journal ‘Joule‘.
A study carried out by experts from the University of Nanjing, in which they have analyzed the samples extracted by the Chinese probe Chang’e 5. Among them, stand out substances with iron and titaniumwhich would function as a key element in the Obtaining oxygen through the use of sunlight. To do this, the researchers proposed the use of so-called “extraterrestrial photosynthesis” in order to achieve the desired goals.
The use of lunar soil would be essential to decompose the water extracted from the surface of the earth satellite, as well as exhaust from the breathing of astronauts in oxygen and hydrogen. To do this, experts hope to design a system in the short term that makes this process possible in which both the lunar soil and solar radiation are used.
That’s how he explained it Yingfang Yaoone of the authors of the study, in statements that also includes ‘Europe Press‘. “We use ‘in situ’ environmental resources to reduce missile payload, and our strategy provides a stage for a sustainable and affordable off-planet living environment.” In this way, the objective would be to test the aforementioned system in any of China’s next manned lunar missions.
On the other hand, the study authors also mentioned a possible way to achieve an unprecedented advance in the acquisition of oxygen. “We propose a potentially available extraterrestrial photosynthesis pathway on the moon, which will help us achieve a zero energy consumption extraterrestrial life support system“.
“We have to reduce the payload”
The researchers explained that this achievement will allow Science to enter the ‘Space Age’, in which manned space flights stand out. On the other hand, he mentioned an aspect that would be essential to carry out the mentioned mission. “If we want to carry out a large-scale exploration of the alien world, we have to reduce the payload“. A plan that would go through less dependence on ground supplies.
However, it would not be the first time that the conversion of carbon dioxide into oxygen has been attempted. NASA managed to convert CO2 from Mars to oxygen in the atmosphere of Mars on one of his last missions. An achievement made by the Perseverance rover, launched years ago to the Red Planet by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.