A scientific breakthrough in atomic energy may allow humans to live on Mars
Atomic fusion plasma (iter.org)
A new breakthrough in the work of atomic plasma could help humans live on Mars, according to the scientists who made the discovery. [In nuclear physics, the term plasma refers to the fragments of tiny components of an atom that appear when a nuclear explosion occurs. Atoms and their nuclei are composed of these ultra-small components].
Scientists hope to build a system that will help support various forms of life, as well as make the chemicals needed to produce oil, make banned substances, and fertilize plants.
In this context, a number of experts and space agencies hope to send humans to live on Mars in the coming years. A difficulty is that Mars is a hostile planet, without the oxygen to allow humans to breathe and survive, and the fuel to power the machinery and equipment they need to survive.
Thus, experts hope to overcome these obstacles by inventing a technology that can produce enough oxygen and other substances necessary for the years that humans expect to spend on this planet. If these problems are not resolved, humanity will not be able to live or survive on the Red Planet.
In a related context, the US space agency (NASA) is working on a mission called the Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment. The experiment aims to develop resources on Mars. And by extension, this new breakthrough came to complement that approach, as it may provide an effective way to produce the atomic and nuclear molecules needed [to support life on Mars].
As experts strive to produce the oxygen necessary for human life on Mars, they face growing problems. In turn, this new scientific breakthrough should help them solve these problems.
In this context, Masco Guerra of the University of Lisbon, one of the authors of the research study, says that “first [in the mechanisms addressed by the new scientific breakthrough] is the process of breaking down carbon dioxide molecules to extract oxygen. Carbon dioxide is known to be a very difficult molecule to break down. [This molecule consists of a carbon atom connected to two oxygen atoms. Carbon monoxide consists of a carbon atom and an oxygen atom. Carbon is characterized by its hardness and stability, which makes it difficult to work on its components], and then comes second, working to separate the oxygen resulting from the dismantling of carbon dioxide. and carbon monoxide. We are looking at these two steps in a comprehensive way in order to find a solution to both challenges. In that framework, work on atomic plasma can help."
Also in the context of nuclear physics, plasma is seen as the fourth natural state of matter. [The other three states are solid, liquid and gaseous]. Plasma contains free charged particles such as electrons and ions, which may help in the formation of oxygen [by dismantling what binds it with the carbon atom].
And Guerra adds, “When electrons [from the plasma] that are fired so quickly that they are like a bullet, hit a carbon dioxide molecule, this can lead to the disintegration of that molecule directly. Also, those shots of electrons may transfer energy to the carbon dioxide molecule to make it It vibrates, so this energy can be directed to a large extent towards the decomposition of carbon dioxide. In cooperation with our colleagues in France and the Netherlands, we have experimentally proven the validity of these theories. Moreover, the heat generated in the plasma is also useful for separating oxygen from carbon."
Scientists suggest that the same system could help break down carbon dioxide molecules to produce green fuels [types of hydrogen that are free or near carbon-free] and recycle chemicals, helping to tackle climate change on the planet as well.
The new research is included in a report titled "Plasma for the Use of Natural Resources on Mars. For Fuel, Life Support and Agriculture." The research was published today in the Journal of Applied Physics.
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