ISRU on Mars: Plasma conversion of CO2 from the Martian atmosphere

A new approach to produce oxygen from the Martian atmosphere is proposed, linking two emerging technologies: non-thermal plasmas and ion-conducting membranes. Microwave plasma sources lead to high conversion rates and enable plasma ignition with light and compact solid-state generators. The unique pressure and temperature conditions on Mars are favourable for plasma CO2 decomposition, and the experiments and simulations carried out anticipate a competitive oxygen production per mass and volume of hardware in a future prototype. Measurements of enhanced oxygen pumping through the membranes by plasma demonstrate synergy and establish the proof-of-concept of a new and promising technology for ISRU