Chinese Astronauts Achieve Historic Oxygen and Ethylene Production in Space

Ethylene could play a vital role in rocket fuel development.

The crew of the "Shenzhou-19" mission aboard the "Tiangong" orbital station has successfully conducted an unprecedented experiment on artificial photosynthesis in space.

As a result of the experiment, astronauts produced both oxygen and ethylene — a critical compound for rocket fuel production. This marks a significant milestone for China’s ambitions in space exploration, including its plans for a Moon landing by 2030.

The technology relies on semiconductor catalysts that convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen under room temperature and normal pressure. This innovative approach drastically reduces energy requirements compared to conventional electrolysis methods.

Unlike the systems used on the International Space Station, which mainly rely on electrolysis, China's breakthrough mimics natural plant photosynthesis through advanced chemical and physical processes, making it particularly effective for long-duration space missions.