Astronauts aboard China's Tiangong space station successfully conducted experiments on artificial photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and ethylene, a hydrocarbon usable as rocket fuel.
Artificial photosynthesis allows astronauts to produce essential resources directly in space, significantly improving energy utilization efficiency. As reported by the South China Morning Post, this technology mimics the natural process of plants by using semiconductor catalysts to convert carbon dioxide and water into breathable oxygen and hydrocarbons like ethylene.
This approach offers a more efficient alternative to traditional methods such as electrolysis, which is currently used on the International Space Station (ISS) to generate oxygen from water but consumes a substantial portion of the station's power output. The new technology requires relatively simple equipment and consumes one-third of the power of electrolysis methods.
The astronauts conducted 12 experiments within a drawer-shaped device aboard the Tiangong station, successfully validating several critical technological processes, including room-temperature carbon dioxide conversion. These experiments demonstrated precise control of gas and liquid flows in microgravity and high-sensitivity, real-time detection of reaction products, according to the People's Daily.
By manipulating the catalysts used in the reactions, the technology shows the potential to generate a wide range of substances, including methane and formic acid, in addition to ethylene. Live Science reported that these compounds can serve as fuel for space propulsion or as precursors for other essential materials, further enhancing the self-sufficiency of space missions.
The ability to produce oxygen and fuel on-site is a crucial step toward supporting long-term human presence in space.
China's ambitious space plans include landing astronauts on the lunar surface by 2030 and constructing a lunar base near the Moon's south pole by 2035.
"This advancement in artificial photosynthesis could pave the way for humans to thrive on the Moon and beyond," SciMag noted. "It facilitates permanent lunar bases and prolonged human presence on Mars."
Previously, the Chinese space station conducted experiments such as growing plants, including lettuce and tomatoes, and even lighting a match in space for the first time.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.