NASA converts some of Mars atmosphere into oxygen

A toaster-size, experimental instrument aboard NASA’s Perseverance Mars Rover has converted some of the Red Planet’s atmosphere into oxygen, announced NASA on Wednesday. The instrument is called the Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE).

The atmosphere of Mars is thin and rich in carbon dioxide.

The test took place on Tuesday, which was the 60th Martian day (sol) since NASA’s newest six-wheeled robot landed on the Martian surface on February 18.

This technology can one day assist in powering manned rockets on the surface of Mars, said NASA, suggesting two-way trips to the Red Planet could become a reality. These devices can also pave the way for breathable air.

“This is a critical first step at converting carbon dioxide to oxygen on Mars,” said Jim Reuter, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), according to a news release NASA emailed out to subscribers of its press releases. “MOXIE has more work to do, but the results from this technology demonstration are full of promise as we move toward our goal of one day seeing humans on Mars. Oxygen isn’t just the stuff we breathe. Rocket propellant depends on oxygen, and future explorers will depend on producing propellant on Mars to make the trip home.”

Along with Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, STMD is the sponsor of MOXIE.

Instead of hauling 25 metric tons of oxygen, our trips to Mars would be far more practical and economical if we transport a one-ton oxygen converter, said NASA, adding that such a converter would be MOXIE’s larger and more powerful descendant. On Tuesday, MOXIE produced about 10 minutes worth of breathable oxygen for one person, or about 5 grams.

The instrument is expected to be used to make oxygen at least nine more times over the course of a Martian year, which equals almost two years on Earth.