One Step Closer to Ares

Perseverance has tested MOXIE, the first device to create oxygen from local materials on a world other than Earth.

We're one step closer to the MAV fuel plant and the Hab oxygenator.

Comments

[Mocha Star]

He he, I get that reference!

[Scratchpad]

It does seem prudent to have a research base permanently situated on Mars, just in case of any future Sparkle Drive mishaps.

[Wilt]

Now we just have to fix universal air filters, easily shatterable face visors and communication antennas that target astronauts.

[Booster Spice]

Im puzzled about the heating the gas to only 800C, They could get that from a basic diesel engine preheater, the coil glows hot enough? Or Ive had a sustained white plasma arc from a 6 volt laturn battery, and at that point, might as well use the CO in a loop to rip the oxygen off the surrounding dirt? Or if youre doing that, theres water? Still, copper vapour and CO and hydrgen gives you methane and higher hydrocarbons, depending?

I wonder what the efficincy is, given the amount of chemical energy is known, the power consumption, and the yield?

[Calbeck]

Woohoo!