Senior Researcher
- Fantoft
ivar@norceresearch.no
+47 56 10 77 93
+47 930 02 476
Powering Mars Missions with Local Resources
This ESA project is developing a new energy system that can produce electricity on Mars using only the planet’s own atmosphere. The system is based on a technology called Regenerative Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (RSOFCs), which splits carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the Martian air into carbon monoxide and oxygen. These gases are stored and later used to generate electricity—creating a smart, closed loop.
The goal is to build and test a prototype that’s tough enough for Mars, especially during long missions. A key challenge is preventing carbon buildup inside the system, and the project will explore two strategies: avoiding carbon completely, or safely collecting it.
The end result will be a tested, efficient power system that helps future astronauts or robots work on Mars without needing fuel from Earth.
Status
Active
Duration
01.01.19 - 01.06.25
Location
Bergen
Total budget
8.000.000 NOK
Prosjekteier
NORCE
Funding
ESA - European Space Agency
Senior Researcher
- Fantoft
ivar@norceresearch.no
+47 56 10 77 93
+47 930 02 476
Postal Address: P.O.B 22 Nygårdstangen
NO-5838 Bergen
E-mail: post@norceresearch.no
Phone: +47 56 10 70 00
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NORCE Research AS
Address: P.O.B 22 Nygårdstangen
NO-5838 Bergen
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