Oxygen
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| 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. Almost half of the mass of the Martian crust is Oxygen, bound up in various minerals.
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
Oxygenlunarp on Lunarpedia.
