*In February 2021, NASA’s Perseverance Rover spacecraft landed on Mars. Has produced oxygen from Mars with a device called a ‘moxie’.
*This is the first time that oxygen has been produced from another planet.
*The MOXIE device produced 5 grams of oxygen from carbon dioxide, which is enough for an astronaut to breathe on Mars for 10 minutes.
*Oxygen atoms are extracted from carbon dioxide molecules using intense heat by electrolysis.
*Mars atmosphere is about 95% carbon dioxide
*Oxygen production is one of the most important on Mars. Oxygen is a source of air for astronauts and an essential fuel for a rocket to help astronauts return to Earth.
*MOXIE is sponsored by NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) and Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate.