Some of the biggest challenges in sending humans to distant planets such as Mars are carrying enough rocket fuel, water and oxygen on spacecraft, which are indispensable for sending humans to distant planets and returning them. Scientists have now proven that It is possible to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen in space. Hydrogen can be used as a spacecraft fuel, and oxygen can be used by astronauts.
In a zero-gravity environment, with semiconductor materials, sunlight/starlight, scientists can break down water into hydrogen and oxygen. This breakthrough makes sustainable space navigation possible. The process of breaking down water into hydrogen and oxygen is called electrolysis.
The principle of this process is to let current flow through the water with soluble electrolyte, which decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen, and hydrogen and oxygen accumulate at the two electrodes. Scientists say that hydrogen and oxygen generated using this method can be used as Spacecraft fuel.
It is much safer to launch a rocket carrying the same amount of water compared to a rocket carrying rocket fuel and oxygen. A rocket carrying a large amount of water and a small amount of fuel has a much lower probability of exploding. The spacecraft can decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen in orbit, oxygen to maintain the life of the astronaut, and hydrogen to power the spacecraft through the fuel cell.
Another option is to use a substance called a 'photocatalyst' that helps the semiconductor material inserted into the water to absorb photons. The energy of the photon is absorbed by an electron in the semiconductor material, and the electrons migrate. The free electrons can interact with the water. Hydrogen nuclear reaction, generating hydrogen. Hydrogen and oxygen can also react to form water.
