Making Air From Moon Dust: Scientists Create a Prototype Lunar Oxygen Plant

Researchers are testing a method for extracting oxygen from imitation moon rocks, which could be invaluable to future lunar settlers.

By Erika K. Carlson
Jan 21, 2020 2:20 PMJan 21, 2020 5:18 PM
Moon Base
An artist's impression of a future moon base. (Credit: ESA/P. Carril)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

The European Space Agency has created an experimental “oxygen plant” in the Netherlands that can extract oxygen trapped within simulated moon dust.

Not only does the process extract up to 96 percent of the oxygen in the imitation lunar soil, it also leaves behind metals that might be valuable to future crewed missions that venture to the moon, Mars and beyond.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.