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The Mars atmosphere is 95 percent carbon dioxide, with slightly more than a tenth of 1 percent oxygen. That rules out oxygen-breathing motors and forc
by devy 11y ago
The Mars atmosphere is 95 percent carbon dioxide, with slightly more than
a tenth of 1 percent oxygen. That rules out oxygen-breathing motors and
forces flying machines to rely on chemical or electrical propulsion.
Why does the high concentration of CO2 has anything to do with preventing eletrical propulsion work?
- TeMPOraL 11y agoThe text you quoted doesn't say that; it says that electrical propulsion is a viable option, while oxygen-breathing combustion engines are not.
- iwwr 11y agoIn a reducing environment you can also use a metal powder (like aluminium or magnesium), which at high temperatures reacts with CO2 and burns, self-sustainingly. More on this: http://newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=6157 http://newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=6157