After exceeding NASA’s initial aims and proving capabilities that could enable potential astronauts to explore Mars, the very first experiment to manufacture oxygen on another planet has concluded on Mars.
MOXIE, aka Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment, is a microwave-sized technology on the Perseverance rover.
MOXIE Produced Grams of Oxygen
The experiment began over two years ago, only months after the rover landed on Mars. As stated by NASA, MOXIE has produced 122 grams of oxygen, which is equivalent to what a small dog breathes in 10 hours.
The gadget generates oxygen by converting some of Mars’ abundant carbon dioxide.
MOXIE produced 12 grams of oxygen per hour at 98% purity or greater at its maximum efficiency, which is twice as much as NASA’s ambitions for the device.
On August 7, MOXIE performed for the 16th and last time, having fulfilled all of its requirements.
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How Does Device Work?
The thin Martian atmosphere contains 96% carbon dioxide, which isn’t much help to humans who need oxygen to survive.
MOXIE works by breaking down carbon dioxide molecules into one carbon atom along with two oxygen atoms. As a byproduct, it splits the oxygen molecules and produces carbon monoxide.
The instrument’s mechanism examines the purity and quantity of oxygen as the gasses pass through it.
Heat-resistant materials, such as a gold and aerogel covering, were employed to create the instrument because the conversion process needs temperatures of 1,470 degrees Fahrenheit (798 degrees Celsius). These materials prevented heat from radiating out and damaging the rover.
Something that can efficiently turn carbon dioxide into oxygen could be beneficial in more ways than one. In the future, larger and better versions of something like MOXIE may provide breathing air to life support systems as well as convert and store oxygen required for rocket fuel used to launch on a return trip to Earth.