Chinese lab develops catalyst to convert Martian CO2 into rocket fuel

Researchers at China's Deep Space Exploration Laboratory in Hefei have developed a catalyst that converts carbon dioxide, which constitutes over 95% of the Martian atmosphere, into methanol, a potential rocket fuel. This advances China's long-term goal of crewed Mars missions by enabling in-situ resource utilization, though the technology remains at an early stage and unproven in Martian conditions. The development signals Beijing's commitment to deep-space exploration and could shift the strategic balance in space capabilities.

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