Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide (chemical formula: CO₂) is a chemical substance that occupies about 96 % of Mars's atmosphere.

Biological significance

The metabolism of human beings, animals and various microbes depends on the oxidation of carbohydrates, resulting in carbon dioxide and water exhalation.

Plants use the carbon from CO₂, and release the oxygen back to the atmosphere.

Uses

• Food Preservation

Carbon dioxide can be used to produce:

• Oxygen in greenhouses by plants
• Synthetic materials
• Propellant. Methane (Ch4) and Oxygen, through ISRU using the Sabatier process
• Carbon