NASA’s MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment) device has performed even better than anticipated in producing oxygen from carbon dioxide on Mars, demonstrating its potential to support future astronaut missions on the red planet.
The MOXIE device is only as large as a microwave oven. Image: NASA
Resembling a microwave oven in size, MOXIE is situated on the Perseverance rover. The experiment began over two years ago, just a few months after the rover’s landing on Mars. Since then, MOXIE has successfully generated 122 grams of oxygen, equivalent to a small dog’s 10-hour oxygen supply, according to NASA. The device operates by converting a portion of the abundant carbon dioxide on Mars into oxygen. At its peak performance, MOXIE produces 12 grams of oxygen per hour with 98% purity, doubling NASA’s targets for the equipment. On August 7th, MOXIE completed its 16th and final operation, fulfilling all mission objectives.
Trudy Kortes, NASA’s Director of Technology Evaluation, expressed pride in developing groundbreaking technology like MOXIE, capable of transforming local resources into valuable assets for future exploration missions. She stated that providing this technology under real conditions represents significant progress toward enabling human habitation on Mars.
The thin Martian atmosphere consists of 96% carbon dioxide. MOXIE functions by separating carbon dioxide molecules, isolating oxygen molecules, and releasing carbon monoxide as a byproduct. The device’s system analyzes the purity and quality of the produced oxygen as the gas passes through it. MOXIE is constructed using heat-resistant materials such as gold coating and aerogel because the conversion process demands temperatures of 798 degrees Celsius. These materials prevent heat loss and protect the rover from damage.
An improved and larger version of MOXIE could provide breathable air for life support systems and transform and store essential oxygen as rocket fuel for return missions to Earth. Pam Melroy, NASA’s Deputy Administrator, emphasized that MOXIE’s impressive performance demonstrates the feasibility of oxygen extraction from Mars’ atmosphere. Developing such technology is crucial for future human habitation on Mars and supports the plan for Martian exploration.
Transporting thousands of kilograms of rocket propellant and oxygen from Earth to Mars during initial missions is challenging and costly, leaving little room for essential supplies. Technologies like MOXIE hold the potential to enable astronauts to live off the land and use local resources. Lessons learned from the small-scale MOXIE experiment can be applied to develop full-scale systems, including oxygen production, liquefaction, and storage. The next crucial step in this process is testing other technologies on Mars, including tools and materials for constructing habitats.