NASA is actively trying to return to the moon, but instead of competing against the USSR like in the 1960s during the Cold War, this time it’s against China. The country has recently revealed its most recent study that could change the way spacecraft operate. Oxygen was once thought to exist only on Earth. Later, as scientists began to study the universe with the creation of new technologies, they found out it is one of the most abundant elements in the cosmos, along with helium and hydrogen.
China uses oxygen as a base element for study
China’s growing interest in oxygen as a foundational element for space travel is not accidental. Oxygen is vital for astronauts, and just a few seconds without breathable air on another planet could suffocate them. The element is not only essential for us, but also for other living beings on the planet, such as animals and a few plants.
Carbon is also present throughout the universe and plays a central role in the daily life of human beings and plants. Carbon emissions caused by the burning of fossil-based fuels contribute to global warming, leaving the planet increasingly vulnerable. With this in mind, for every major environmental or spatial project, the Chinese just created something only seen in movies – and it wasn’t even on Earth.
China discovers artificial photosynthesis
In a recent experiment aboard China’s Tiangong space station, astronauts managed to convert carbon dioxide and water into essential life-supporting elements. This process, called artificial photosynthesis, basically copies what plants do naturally – using CO₂ and water to create oxygen and energy-rich materials, but functioning at room temperature and normal pressure.
In January 2025, the Shenzhou-19 crew carried out 12 experiments in a drawer-sized device using semiconductor catalysts to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and hydrocarbons, according to state media and the China Manned Space agency.
This breakthrough could be a major milestone towards making deep space travel more sustainable. Instead of relying so much on Earth for supplies, China’s method offers a model for how future missions could become self-sustaining missions to the Moon or even Mars might be able to recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen and other useful materials right on board. Researchers successfully generated ethylene, a hydrocarbon that can be used as rocket fuel, paving the way for sustained crewed missions.
In addition to its applications in space, the same technology might also help address problems on Earth. Scientists have discovered a way to convert CO₂ into a high-protein food source – one that is rich in essential amino acids.
What are the implications for the rest of the world?
Over the last 40 years, China’s massive tree-planting and environmental projects have helped absorb nearly 400 million tons of CO₂ each year, playing a big role in cutting global carbon emissions tied to land use. As demand for sustainable food alternatives grows, this study shows how overlooked resources, like carbon dioxide, can be repurposed into something useful. It also opens the door to rethinking how biomass is used in modern food production.
The researchers behind the study emphasize how this bioprocess could play a key role in building a circular carbon economy. Instead of just reducing CO₂ emissions, it offers a way to reuse carbon by turning it into a valuable resource. This could make it a major part of future sustainable food systems and efforts to ensure global food security.
Projecting forward, the field may keep changing, especially in areas where shortages frequently occur. The Chinese could lead in applying this approach to regions facing food insecurity. With further research, microbial protein systems could be improved to boost both efficiency and nutritional value. Techniques such as selective breeding of high-yield microbial strains may open the door to even better production models.
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