BEYOND ELECTROLYSIS: ADVANCING OXYGEN GENERATION FOR LONG-TERM SPACE MISSIONS

This paper discusses the limitations of electrolysis and how alternative methods, such as chemical oxygen generation or molecular gas-phase synthesis, could better support extended space mission durations. Using a comparative analysis and argumentative format, the study evaluates the efficacy of such methods. The findings suggest that while electrolysis is the most effective life support system (LSS) for short-term space travel, it is not sustainable for deep-space missions. Instead, emerging technologies like artificial photosynthesis and molecular gas-phase synthesis require less development to acquire these deep-space qualities, though research in this area remains underdeveloped. Further development of these ideas is crucial as a next step for humans to become an interplanetary species.