Scientists at the University of Warwick are developing artificial photosynthesis technology that could help support human life on Mars and the Moon.
The groundbreaking artificial photosynthesis device will expertly harvest solar energy in space – converting renewable, clean energy from outside the Earth’s atmosphere to make space travel more sustainable.
By leveraging photosynthesis – the chemical process plants use to create energy – the researchers hope they can make the industry more sustainable, making colonising the Moon and Mars less science fiction and closer to reality.
Sophia Haussener, Associate Professor at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), said: “In this study, we finally quantify the potential of such devices for extra-terrestrial use and provide initial design guidelines for their potential implementation.”
How artificial photosynthesis will make space travel more sustainable
The research programme, which is funded by the European Space Agency via the Open Space Innovation Platform, will explore a special type of artificial photosynthesis device known as a semiconductor.
Semiconductors perform the same processes that keep plants alive on Earth, converting water into oxygen by using only sunlight and recycling carbon dioxide.
A major advantage of semiconductors is that they can directly utilise solar power whilst saving on weight, making them ideal for long-term space travel. Whereas traditional systems, such as those onboard the International Space Station, are much heavier and, therefore, less efficient.
Supporting human life on the Moon and Mars
The scientists explained that the artificial photosynthesis technology could be installed on the Moon and Mars to harvest green energy.
This efficient and reliable energy source would be employed to power rockets and aid life support systems in producing oxygen and other essential chemicals while also recycling carbon dioxide.
The research will also help to improve the efficiencies of semiconductors on Earth and elevate the performance of traditional solar cells in space.
Katharina Brinkert, Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick’s Department of Chemistry, concluded: “Human space exploration faces the same challenges as the green energy transition on Earth: both require sustainable energy sources.
“With sunlight being so abundantly available in space, we have shown how this source could be used to harvest energy – much like plants back on Earth – for life support systems for long-term space travel. The technology could provide ample oxygen production and carbon dioxide recycling on both Moon and Mars.”