Chinese scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) are pioneering a sustainable energy solution for Mars: using the planet’s CO2-rich air as the 'blood' of their power systems. This new approach could keep future research stations powered without hauling heavy supplies from Earth.
USTC researcher Shi Lingfeng says the Martian atmosphere’s high molecular weight and specific heat capacity make it ideal for converting heat into electricity. By swapping in CO2 instead of rare gases like helium or xenon, the team achieved a 20% boost in power generation efficiency and a 14% increase in maximum power density—critical gains when every watt counts millions of miles from home.
Building on this, the researchers have introduced the Mars battery, an innovative storage system that absorbs active gases from the Martian air to generate and store electricity. Researcher Xiao Xu notes this design combines principles from lithium-air and lithium-carbon dioxide batteries to tap local resources for rovers, probes, or habitats.
Tested under simulated Martian day-night cycles and temperatures down to 0°C, the Mars battery delivers steady power to electronic devices, showcasing its resilience in harsh environments. By cutting down system weight and enabling in-situ energy acquisition and self-sufficiency, this tech could redefine how missions on the Red Planet are powered.
With the Tianwen-3 probe targeting a 2028 launch and sample returns expected by 2031, these breakthroughs mark a giant leap towards sustainable, long-term exploration on Mars.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
