In first, Perseverance Mars rover makes oxygen on another planet
- The experiment could pave the way for a means to produce oxygen for future astronauts to breathe
- ‘Mechanical trees’ like the one on the rover could remove the need to haul vast amounts of oxygen over from Earth to use as rocket fuel for the return trip
Nasa’s Perseverance rover keeps making history.
The six-wheeled robot has converted some carbon dioxide from the Martian atmosphere into oxygen, the first time this has happened on another planet, the space agency said Wednesday.
“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.
The technology demonstration took place on April 20, and it’s hoped future versions of the experimental instrument that was used could pave the way for future human exploration.
Not only can the process produce oxygen for future astronauts to breathe, but it could make hauling vast amounts of oxygen over from Earth to use as rocket propellant for the return journey unnecessary.