How Will Astronauts Get Oxygen When They Go to Mars?

The successful colonization of Mars hinges heavily on the ability to supply astronauts with oxygen. Unless a local supply can be found, missions will need to bring oxygen from Earth, which is an impractical solution given the vast distance. Therefore, innovative methods of acquiring and producing oxygen on Mars are crucial for sustained missions.

Initial Supply Methods: Stored Oxygen

During the early phases of Mars colonization, missions will likely depend on carrying compressed oxygen tanks for breathing. This approach is similar to how the International Space Station (ISS) currently operates, ensuring that astronauts have a reliable source of oxygen during their initial transit to the Red Planet.

Water-Based Solutions: Electrolysis of Water

If water can be found on Mars, either in the form of ice at the poles or underground, astronauts can use electrolysis to produce oxygen. This method involves passing an electric current through water to split it into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells, while oxygen can be collected and stored in pressure bottles for astronauts to use in their breathing masks.

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Extracting Oxygen from Mars's Atmosphere

Future missions may utilize ISRU technologies to extract oxygen from the Martian atmosphere, which is predominantly composed of carbon dioxide (about 95%). Technologies like the MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment) experiment, which was part of the Perseverance rover mission, demonstrate a method to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through chemical processes. This method is self-sustaining and crucial for long-term missions.

Oxygen Production Plants: Sustained Supply

For long-term missions, establishing oxygen production plants that continuously produce oxygen using both electrolysis and atmospheric processing will ensure a steady and sustainable supply. These plants can be powered by solar energy, even from the weak Sun on Mars. The water for this process can be obtained from polar ice, purified through chemical processing, and used in the electrolysis process.

Conclusion

The success of Mars colonization will significantly depend on the ability to produce and supply oxygen for astronauts. Various methods, including stored oxygen, electrolysis of water, ISRU, and oxygen production plants, will play a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable and reliable source of oxygen for crewed missions. These methods will help establish a necessary industry on Mars, potentially becoming a haven for practical chemists in the future.