After Perseverance landed on Mars on Feb. 18, 2021, MOXIE generated 122 grams of oxygen, which is about what a small canine breathes in 10 hours, NASA mentioned. At its most effective, MOXIE produced 12 grams of oxygen per hour at a purity of 98% or higher. That is twice as a lot as NASA’s authentic purpose for the instrument. On its ultimate run, MOXIE made 9.8 grams of oxygen.
MOXIE produces molecular oxygen by means of an electrochemical course of that separates one oxygen atom from every molecule of carbon dioxide pumped in from Mars’ skinny ambiance. Because the gases circulate by means of the system, they’re analyzed to examine the purity and amount of the oxygen produced.
Gadgets primarily based on the expertise at work in MOXIE can be key for future missions. It appears apparent that astronauts who might sometime discover themselves on Mars will want an oxygen supply to breathe, however NASA has different makes use of in thoughts. Particularly, the applied sciences inside MOXIE might function a supply of rocket propellant, which can be required in industrial portions to launch rockets with astronauts for his or her return journey house.
Throughout its time on Mars, MOXIE accomplished all of its technical necessities and lasted by means of the various circumstances of a full Mars yr. It carried out the first-ever demonstration of an oxygen-producing system on the Purple Planet.
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