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Designing the bioproduction of Martian rocket propellant via a biotechnology-enabled in situ resource utilization strategy

Author

Listed:
  • Nicholas S. Kruyer

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Matthew J. Realff

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Wenting Sun

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Caroline L. Genzale

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Pamela Peralta-Yahya

    (Georgia Institute of Technology
    Georgia Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Mars colonization demands technological advances to enable the return of humans to Earth. Shipping the propellant and oxygen for a return journey is not viable. Considering the gravitational and atmospheric differences between Mars and Earth, we propose bioproduction of a Mars-specific rocket propellant, 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO), from CO2, sunlight and water on Mars via a biotechnology-enabled in situ resource utilization (bio-ISRU) strategy. Photosynthetic cyanobacteria convert Martian CO2 into sugars that are upgraded by engineered Escherichia coli into 2,3-BDO. A state-of-the-art bio-ISRU for 2,3-BDO production uses 32% less power and requires a 2.8-fold higher payload mass than proposed chemical ISRU strategies, and generates 44 tons of excess oxygen to support colonization. Attainable, model-guided biological and materials optimizations result in an optimized bio-ISRU that uses 59% less power and has a 13% lower payload mass, while still generating 20 tons excess oxygen. Addressing the identified challenges will advance prospects for interplanetary space travel.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas S. Kruyer & Matthew J. Realff & Wenting Sun & Caroline L. Genzale & Pamela Peralta-Yahya, 2021. "Designing the bioproduction of Martian rocket propellant via a biotechnology-enabled in situ resource utilization strategy," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-26393-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26393-7
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