Posted by Nick on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/Air-supply-tp1505209p1505244.html


--- In [hidden email], "Phil" <atcliffe@p...> wrote:
>
> One method of obtaining oxygen that hasn't been mentioned yet (I
> think) and that was much in vogue in SF and for people planning
real
> Moonbases at about the time that the series was made was to get it
> out of moonrock. There can be a lot of oxygen in rock -- metal
> oxides, etc. -- and so the idea was to find the right kind of rock
> and extract the oxygen from it; also, possibly, to extract water
from
> moonrock and then use electrolysis to break it into hydrogen
(fuel!)
> and oxygen. Then use the aforementioned efficient recirculation
> systems, plant respiration, etc., to keep the air in the base
> breathable. But there will be losses, and so a regular supply will
be
> needed, and where better to find it than in the Moon itself?
>
> FWIW, this idea has also been postulated as an important part of
any
> manned Mars expedition; it's _so_ much easier to get there if you
> don't have to lug everything needed for the return trip with you!

Just like in "Robinson Crusoe on Mars".

Nick