NASA’s Perseverance rover has managed to “squeeze” breathable oxygen from the Martian atmosphere. The microwave oven-sized device produced 122 grams of the valuable material. This amount is enough to support an astronaut’s life for three hours.

The rover produced the required element using the Mars Oxygen In-Situ Sourcing Experiment (MOXIE) instrument. It produces oxygen by converting carbon dioxide. However, the process is very long; The first batch took two years to make.

The mechanism works like this: Carbon dioxide is collected first, then the oxygen atoms are separated from the CO2 and tested for purity. Then, those suitable for breathing are placed in a special capsule, and the rest is released into the atmosphere in the form of carbon monoxide. It is emphasized that this device is also suitable for rocket fuel production.

We now have the technology to transform local resources into useful products for future exploration missions.Trudy Cortez is the Director of NASA’s Space Technology Directorate (STMD).

Considering that the Martian atmosphere consists of 95% carbon dioxide, there will be no shortage of derived material. However, we must look for ways to speed up the process. And that’s not the only problem on your way to conquering the planet. The intense cold above (average temperature -62°C) can quickly freeze a person without a spacesuit, and the low atmospheric pressure simultaneously boils the blood in their veins. Also do not forget about high levels of carcinogenic radiation. Source