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Conceptualizing in situ energy station for Mars exploration.
Yuzhuo Yang1,2, Peng Tan1, Hua Tian1
1Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, China.
National Science Review
|March 30, 2026
Summary
Martian air can power space nuclear systems for electricity and chemical conversion. This enables multimodal resource transformation on Mars, advancing space exploration technology.
Area of Science:
- Space Nuclear Systems Engineering
- Planetary Resource Utilization
- Thermo-chemical Conversion
Background:
- Current space nuclear systems require specific working fluids.
- Mars possesses a unique atmospheric composition suitable for novel applications.
- Resource transformation is key for sustainable extraterrestrial missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose Martian air as a working medium for space nuclear systems.
- To explore integrated heat-to-electricity and chemical conversion processes.
- To enable multimodal resource transformation on the Martian surface.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of thermodynamic cycles using Martian atmospheric gases.
- Modeling of integrated heat-to-electricity conversion (e.g., thermoelectric, Stirling engines).
- Assessment of chemical conversion pathways utilizing Martian air components.
Main Results:
- Martian air can effectively function as a working medium in space nuclear systems.
- Integrated systems demonstrate potential for simultaneous power generation and chemical processing.
- Multimodal resource transformation is feasible using in-situ Martian resources.
Conclusions:
- Utilizing Martian air offers a novel approach for sustainable space nuclear power.
- This concept paves the way for efficient in-situ resource utilization on Mars.
- Further research is warranted to develop and validate these integrated systems.
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