NASA Planning To Use Rover To Make Oxygen On Mars

In this image released on June 23, 2014, shows NASA's Curiosity Mars rover self-portrait. NASA's Curiosity Mars used the camera at the end of its arm in April and May 2014 to take dozens of component images combined... In this image released on June 23, 2014, shows NASA's Curiosity Mars rover self-portrait. NASA's Curiosity Mars used the camera at the end of its arm in April and May 2014 to take dozens of component images combined into this self-portrait where the rover drilled into a sandstone target called "Windjana." NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover will complete a Martian year, 687 Earth days, on June 24. (AP Photo/NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS) MORE LESS
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WASHINGTON (AP) — NASA plans to make oxygen — a key ingredient of rocket fuel — on Mars early next decade.

Space agency officials unveiled seven instruments they plan to put on a Martian rover that would launch in 2020, including two devices aimed at bigger future Mars missions.

The $1.9 billion rover will include an experiment that will turn carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere into oxygen.NASA associate administrator Bill Gerstenmaier said the oxygen could then be used to make rocket fuel and for future astronauts to breathe. Taking fuel to Mars for return flights is heavy and expensive.

NASA also plans to collect interesting rocks, put them in sealed vials for future flights to pick them up and return them to Earth for detailed study.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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