Ever wondered about humans living, breathing, and working in space? Scientists are developing photosynthesis without plants to make life on Mars possible. They have created a method to imitate it.
The process involves: Harvesting solar energy and storing it in chemical bonds (Similar to how batteries store energy) to convert it into energy-rich products like fuel, fertilizer, and breathable air. This means capturing light and converting it into useful chemicals, simulating what plants do.
Energy conversion processes “could definitely complement life support systems in space habitats,” said Dr. Katarina Brinkert, Associate Professor at the University of Warwick, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “And on Earth, we can introduce more sustainable ways of producing chemicals, potentially saving the industry time and energy.”
Researchers at the University of Warwick, working with ESA, the Georgia Institute of Technology (USA), Germany’s Center for Applied Space Technology, and the Center for Microgravity, are driving the development.
As part of the humans on mars initiative, this breakthrough effort could help humans survive on Mars, where sunlight is the main source of energy.
So how does it work and how can we bring life to the universe?
Scientists are using semiconductors to absorb light, similar to chlorophyll in plants. For example, a solar cell is a stack of semiconductors.
After storing solar energy, scientists can convert it to split compounds like water into oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen is essential for breathing, and hydrogen can be used as fuel, including for spacecraft, in space environments.
The process does not require extensive industrial infrastructure or electricity as it generates its own electricity. Depending on the semiconductor used, other molecules can be produced.
For instance, scientists hope to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into “solar fuel” using this method, contributing to the fight against climate change. The carbon dioxide concentration on Mars is very high, around 96%.
The energy conversion process will be tested on a rocket in late 2024 or 2025. The rocket carrying the experiment will fly to the edge of space and return after five to six minutes in microgravity.
If successful, the process could be applied to both Mars and Earth, involving experts from various fields in what is being called the “Manhattan Project for the Energy Challenge.” Brinkert stated, “There’s a lot we can learn from each other because there are a lot of problems that we have to solve.” She added, “I think ultimately we are all trying to solve the same problem: the planet needs more efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy sources to tackle climate change.” And on the other hand, if we want to do large-scale space exploration to the Moon or Mars, we need efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy sources.”
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
