Introduction: past of the Chinese Space Program
The Chinese space program has its roots in the 1950s, erstwhile China began to work on rocket technologies as part of the military program. In 1970, China became the 5th country in the planet to launch the satellite itself into orbit (Dong Fang Hong I). Since then, China's space program has developed dynamically, covering both manned and unmanned missions. In 2003, China sent its first astronaut, Yang Liwei, to orbit, becoming the 3rd country after the U.S. and Russia to accomplish this. In the following years, China has implemented a number of ambitious projects, including the construction of the Tiangong Space Station, the Moon Missions (Chang’e) and the Martian Missions (Tianwen-1).
In fresh years China has focused on the improvement of technologies that will enable long-term space missions, including the exploration of the Moon and Mars. 1 of the key areas of investigation is the improvement of fresh types of rocket fuels that are essential to accomplish these ambitious objectives.
Research on fresh types of rocket fuels
Chinese scientists made crucial advancement in the production of rocket fuels and oxygen in space. In 2023, it was informed of the success of the experimentation utilizing artificial photosynthesis to produce oxygen and fuel on board the Tiangong Space Station. This technology, developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and methane, which can be utilized as rocket fuel. This is the world's first solution of this kind that can revolutionize the way space missions are powered.
In late January and February 2025, further studies were published that indicate the anticipation of producing rocket fuel on the Moon. Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a method utilizing lunar regolite (rocks and dust) to produce oxygen and hydrogen that can be utilized as fuel. These studies propose that the energy needed for this process can be obtained from solar panels, which makes it a possibly self-sufficient solution for future lunar bases.
Importance of investigation into fresh fuel sources
Research on fresh fuel sources is crucial for the future of the space programme for respective reasons:
- Cost reduction: conventional rocket fuels are costly in production and transport. The improvement of technologies to let the production of fuels in space or on another celestial bodies may importantly reduce mission costs.
- Long-term missions: For manned missions to the Moon or Mars, continuous access to oxygen and fuel is essential. Technologies specified as artificial photosynthesis or the production of fuels from the lunar regolite can let long-term existence in space.
- Sustainable development: The usage of local resources, specified as carbon dioxide or regolite, reduces dependence on supplies from Earth, which is crucial for sustainable exploration of space.
- Technological advantage: China strives to accomplish a leading position in the space race. Innovation in the field of rocket fuels can give them technological advantage over another countries.
Chinese investigation on fresh types of rocket fuels is an example of an innovative approach to space exploration. Thanks to technologies specified as artificial photosynthesis and the production of fuels from lunar regolite, China can importantly reduce mission costs, let long-term space presence and gain technological advantage. These achievements are crucial to achieving the ambitious objectives of the Chinese space program, including the construction of permanent Moon bases and manned missions to Mars.
Sources
- Live Science: Chinese astronauts make rocket fuel and oxygen in space utilizing 1st-of-its-kind artificial photosynthesis
- The article describes an experimentation utilizing artificial photosynthesis to produce oxygen and fuel on board the Tiangong space station.
- Phys.org: Energy requirements for moon Rocket fuel production
- The article presents investigation into the production of lunar regolite rocket fuel, indicating the possible of this technology for future lunar missions.
Leszek B. Glass
Email: [email protected]
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