Space chemistry is dealing with chemical operations performed in the outer space: typically synthesis and analysis, performed by instruments operated by humans in situ, or remotely, or controlled by robots. Space chemistry is distinctly different from astrochemistry, which is first of all dealing with interpretation of chemical signals arriving from the outer space and modeling chemical processes based on that. Space chemistry has a high significance for the future industrial activity, planned to be on the Moon, Mars and planets and also supporting space travel by synthetizing material on the spot or e.g. reconverting exhaled CO2 to O2. Space chemistry offers perspectives for chemists and for representants of related disciplines by offering to study chemical transformations under microgravity using high energy photons or unique radiation conditions. There are enhanced possibilities to study long term reactions under extreme conditions and especially reactions utilizing tunneling effects. The lecture will highlight why chemistry is fundamental to future space research and exploration.

Chemistry in space: Demands, perspectives and tools

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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