BEIJING: China’s space station has recently conducted experiments on extraterrestrial artificial photosynthesis technology, completing the in-orbit verification of efficient carbon dioxide conversion and oxygen regeneration processes.
According to Qatar News Agency, this breakthrough could serve as a technical foundation for China’s future manned deep-space exploration missions. Extraterrestrial artificial photosynthesis involves using solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and carbon-containing compounds through physicochemical methods in extraterrestrial environments. This process is performed under ambient temperature and pressure conditions, enabling efficient carbon dioxide conversion and oxygen regeneration.
The technology supports multiple energy conversion pathways, such as solar-to-chemical, solar-to-electrical-to-chemical, and solar-to-thermal-to-chemical energy conversion, significantly enhancing energy utilization efficiency. The resulting products may include methane or ethylene, which can be used as propellants, as well as formic acid, a key raw material for sugar synthesis. The CMSA emphasizes the significant value of this capability for long-term extraterrestrial survival and future in-situ resource utilization.
The experimental equipment aboard China’s space station has so far conducted 12 in-orbit experiments, successfully producing both oxygen and ethylene. The CMSA has also highlighted the wealth of experimental data obtained on multiphase physicochemical reaction processes under microgravity conditions. This data is providing valuable insights for the development of new methods to utilize extraterrestrial resources on site.
