Long-duration, sustained human missions to Mars will require astronauts to meet (some) mission needs through in-situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). Such self-sufficiency is needed because of the energy required to move material off-world from Earth. As an example, completely supplying a Mars mission from Earth, including both life-support conusmables and the propellant needed for the return journey, is estimated to require around 400 metric tons of propellant (fuel and oxidant) on 4-5 heavy lift launch vehicles. These requirements only get larger with longer mission durations. As an urgent matter of sustainability and economy, NASA is considering deploying a high temperature solid oxide electrolyzer 26 months in advance of a human mission to produce 25-30 metric tons of oxidant (O2) using atmospheric CO2 abundantly present on Mars (based on technology demonstrated through the Mars Oxygen in-situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) from NASA’s Persevearence mission). Complementing this O2 production system, we propose an integrated ultra-low (Martian ambient) temperature electrolyzer that produces both fuel and oxidant utilizing Martian atmospheric CO2 in conjunction with liquid brines present on Mars. This system (as conceived) produces the same oxidant as MOXIE with the added benefit of producing the other propellant component, methane (CH4), all at lower energy consumption. Given the geographic limitations on brine availability, we envision our system being an able complement to MOXIE to advance the goal of sustained human exploration of Mars.

Methane and oxygen from energy-efficient, low temperature in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) enables missions to mars

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