Chinese astronauts perform 'artificial photosynthesis' in space, creating oxygen and rocket fuel

Astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station have produced rocket fuel and oxygen from water and carbon dioxide, mimicking plant photosynthesis. (Image: China Manned Space Agency)

Astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station have achieved a key feat. They have successfully produced oxygen and rocket fuel using artificial photosynthesis. This new method could support future space missions, including China’s planned Moon base.

New method for oxygen and fuel production
The experiment was carried out by the Shenzhou-19 crew. They used a special "drawer-like" device and a "semiconductor catalyst" to convert carbon dioxide and water into useful resources. The process, similar to plant photosynthesis, created ethylene, a hydrocarbon used in rocket fuel. Researchers believe different catalysts could produce methane or formic acid, both valuable in space exploration.

According to Chinese state media, this method could help astronauts survive in space. It uses less energy than the electrolysis process on the International Space Station. Electrolysis requires a third of the ISS’s power, making the new approach more efficient.

Future applications on the Moon
China aims to build a Moon base near the lunar south pole by 2035. This technology could provide oxygen and fuel using available lunar water. Astronauts would no longer need to bring these resources from Earth.

China also plans to use robots to build a nuclear reactor for power. This project is in collaboration with Russia, which hopes to contribute to the base’s construction. To transport materials, China has developed a large reusable rocket, scheduled to launch soon.

China’s first crewed Moon landing is expected by 2030. This timeline follows NASA’s Artemis missions, which have faced repeated delays.