The European Space Agency's HISRU project is set to transform fuel production and waste management on Mars by developing a reactor that utilizes the planet's abundant carbon dioxide atmosphere. This innovative system, powered by sunlight, also incorporates astronauts' greywater, effectively recycling waste while generating methane fuel.
The reactor employs a 'photoelectrochemical' process that splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then combined with carbon dioxide to produce methane, a crucial fuel for future Mars missions. Furthermore, the greywater is detoxified during this process, allowing for dual functionality in waste management.
Elena Garcia, the lead for the project at Tekniker, emphasized the significance of this advancement: "This activity represents a significant leap forward in space exploration and sustainable carbon dioxide conversion technologies. Unlike prior technologies, our reactor addresses both carbon dioxide reduction and greywater treatment simultaneously, enhancing sustainable mission planning."
The HISRU project was submitted via the Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP) and is part of the Discovery element of ESA's Basic Activities, marking a pivotal step towards sustainable human presence on Mars.