Toward Building Sustainable Mars Infrastructure: A CO 2 ‐Breathing Plasma Thruster for Orbit Maintenance and In Situ Oxygen Generation
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study explores a dual‐use CO 2 ‐breathing plasma thruster capable of operating in very low Martian orbits (80–160 km), delivering electric propulsion and in situ oxygen generation. Experimental results demonstrate a thrust of over 1 N at input powers ranging from 0.1 to 1 kW across varying discharge frequencies. Optical emission spectroscopy reveals strong emission at 777.1 nm corresponding to atomic oxygen, along with spectral features of CO and CO 2 , confirming the effective dissociation of CO 2 within the plasma. These findings support the viability of propulsion systems as multifunctional platforms for future Mars missions, enabling both aerial/ground mobility and human habitats without stored propellant gas.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Gas Dynamics and Kinetic Theory
Plasma Applications and Diagnostics
Plasma Diagnostics and Applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Global Challenges
- Volume
- 10
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e00325–e00325
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN