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Active TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 5)
MARS-C is an electrochemical in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) approach to producing oxygen, hydrogen, and C1 and C2 hydrocarbons at Martian temperatures and pressures. The patent-pending electrochemical cell will be fed with water with dissolved/suspended minerals from the Martian regolith (liquid at Martian ambient conditions) and atmospheric CO2 with minimal pre-treatment. An applied potential will enable the simultaneous electrolysis of the CO2 and brine to produce hydrocarbons and oxygen at Martian ambient conditions.
Problem Statement
The MARS-C technology will extend the duration of crewed Mars missions by producing mission consumables on site and reducing the need for resupply from Earth. MARS-C will have lower size, weight and power (SWAP) requirements compared to existing solutions as it operates near Martian ambient conditions and is designed to convert CO2 to hydrocarbons without an intermediate hydrogen production step.
Technology Maturation
Currently the system is being tested and validated at Martian temperatures and atmospheric compositions but data under relevant gravity conditions is lacking. Electrolytic systems producing water soluble products present a unique bubble dynamics problem as the density and viscosity of the electrolyte changes due to the product, and the product bubble contact angles are also a?ected by the applied potential at the electrodes. The data gained from this flight campaign will advance our system and the design of other gas electrolysis systems for reduced gravity applications.
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