Oxygen

O	8
Oxygen

Abundance: 0.15% atmosphere 46,6% crust

Oxygen (periodic table symbol: O⁸) is a chemical element that can be found in the atmosphere and in most minerals on Mars.

Alga producing oxygen

Relevance for life

The metabolism of human beings, animals and various microbes depends on oxygen. The atmosphere of Mars contains only 0,15 % oxygen, which is not enough to support animal or human life.

Production

Oxygen can be produced in situ:

• in greenhouses by plants.
• by reduction of carbon dioxide from the martian atmosphere
• by reduction of oxide minerals
• by electrolysis of water

Uses

• Propellant. Oxygen is often chosen as an oxidizer for chemical propulsion.
• Atmospheric component. Standard atmosphere contains 21% Oxygen.
• Chemical reagent

Related Articles

Oxygen^lunarp on Lunarpedia.