Chinese Astronauts Produce Oxygen Via Photosynthesis In Space

UNSPLASH/History in HD ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The crew of the Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou-19 conducted a series of artificial photosynthetic experiments on the Tiangong space station.

The series of experiments resulted in oxygen (O2) and rocket fuel components for the first time in history, according to a South China Morning Post report, Monday, January 13.

In a series of 12 experiments using a drawer-shaped device, the crew is capable of producing oxygen and hydrocarbon ethylene that can be used to make spacecraft fuel, the report reads.

As reported by ANTARA from Sputnik-OANA, previous photosynthetic-related experiments have been carried out on the International Space Station (ISS), focusing on planting plants and studying the influence of microgravity on natural photosynthetics, according to the report.

However, the ISS is reportedly relying more on electrolysis to support astronauts' living needs, namely using electricity from station solar panels to separate water from hydrogen and oxygen, thus providing air for astronauts to breathe.

China completed the construction of the Tiangong space station in November 2022.

The station can accommodate three astronauts and is estimated to have an operating period of up to 15 years.