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The crew of the Chinese orbital station Tiangong successfully synthesized oxygen in space conditions. During the experimental work, the astronauts also managed to obtain components used in the production of rocket fuel, gazeta.ru reports with reference to the South China Morning Post.
Using innovative technology with semiconductor catalysts, the station's team converted carbon dioxide and water into oxygen. The by-product of the process was ethylene, an organic substance that can serve as the basis for creating rocket fuel.
This achievement opens up new prospects for long-term space missions and deep space exploration. The ability to produce oxygen and propellant components directly in orbit is considered critical for the future of the space industry.