In a groundbreaking achievement for space exploration, Chinese astronauts have successfully demonstrated artificial photosynthesis technology in orbit for the first time. This revolutionary experiment mimicked the natural process of photosynthesis by converting carbon dioxide and water into vital resources: oxygen and rocket fuel components. This advancement represents a significant leap toward enabling long-term human space missions, addressing one of the most complex challenges of space exploration—sustaining life and resources for extended periods beyond Earth.

Oxygen is a critical necessity for human survival, especially in space. Currently, transporting oxygen to space for long-duration missions is both expensive and logistically difficult. To address this, China has been exploring ways to produce oxygen directly in space, reducing reliance on Earth-based supplies and paving the way for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

China’s venture into “extraterrestrial artificial photosynthesis” began in 2015, driven by the desire to create self-sustaining habitats for astronauts on long-term missions. The recent experiments, conducted aboard a Chinese space station module, represent a breakthrough in this research. According to China Manned Space (CMS), the astronauts carried out a series of 12 experiments within a specially designed drawer-shaped apparatus in orbit.

These experiments used semiconductor catalysts to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and ethylene. Ethylene, a hydrocarbon, has the potential to be utilized as a propellant for spacecraft. By mimicking the natural photosynthesis process found in green plants, the technology offers a sustainable way to produce both breathable air and fuel while in space.

The artificial photosynthesis technology developed by Chinese researchers operates efficiently at ambient temperatures and pressures, marking a significant departure from traditional methods that require extreme conditions. As reported by China’s state broadcaster CCTV, this innovative process uses engineered physical and chemical methods to harness carbon dioxide from confined spaces or extraterrestrial atmospheres, turning it into oxygen and carbon-based fuels.

Unlike previous space-based technologies, which required high temperatures or vacuum conditions, this new system functions under the much more manageable conditions found in space, offering significant advantages for long-term space missions. The system also boasts versatility in product output, with the ability to produce a range of substances, including methane, ethylene (for propulsion), and formic acid (a precursor for sugar synthesis). This adaptability makes the technology particularly valuable for space exploration, where the production of a variety of resources is crucial for sustaining human life and fueling spacecraft.

The ability to produce oxygen, rocket fuel, and other critical compounds directly in space is essential for long-duration missions, such as China’s planned crewed moon landing by 2030. This artificial photosynthesis technology lays the foundation for a self-sufficient approach to space exploration, reducing reliance on Earth-bound resources and enabling astronauts to stay in space for extended periods without resupply missions.

China’s ambitions in space are not limited to this achievement. In addition to the crewed moon landing plans, the country has unveiled plans for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). This project, led by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in collaboration with Russia’s Roscosmos, aims to establish a human presence on the Moon by 2028-2035. The ILRS will serve as a base for scientific research and technology testing, advancing space exploration capabilities and preparing for future missions to Mars and beyond.

China’s successful demonstration of artificial photosynthesis is a crucial step forward in the long-term goals of space exploration. The ability to generate life-sustaining oxygen and fuel directly in space will be pivotal for upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars. This breakthrough, combined with ambitious plans like the ILRS and the potential for human settlement on the Moon, sets the stage for a new era of self-sustaining space exploration—one where astronauts can live and work in space for extended periods with minimal reliance on Earth-based resources.

As space agencies around the world continue to push the boundaries of human exploration, technologies like artificial photosynthesis will play a central role in ensuring humanity’s ability to thrive beyond Earth.

By Impact Lab