In Situ Utilization of Martian Resources: Advances and Prospects in Plasma Technology

In situ resource utilization (ISRU) is essential for sustainable Mars exploration due to the high cost and complexity of Earth-based supply chains. Mars’ harsh environment─marked by a thin CO₂-rich atmosphere, extreme temperature swings, dust storms, and high radiation─poses significant challenges for conventional processing. Plasma technologies, known for their high energy density, chemical reactivity, and operational flexibility, offer promising solutions. This review examines recent advances in nonthermal plasma systems for key ISRU tasks, including CO₂ decomposition for oxygen and fuel production, water extraction from hydrated minerals, and regolith sintering for habitat construction. Special attention is given to microwave and dielectric barrier discharge plasmas, which have shown enhanced oxygen yield and energy efficiency compared to traditional systems like NASA’s MOXIE. Spark plasma sintering is also highlighted for its potential in producing high-strength ceramics from Martian soil. Despite technical promise, deployment challenges remain, including thermal stress resistance, dust mitigation, and energy optimization. Strategies such as advanced material selection, self-cleaning surfaces, and integration with renewable energy are proposed to improve system resilience. Beyond Mars, these plasma technologies have strong potential for Earth-based applications including CO₂ valorization, decentralized water treatment, and low-energy waste recycling. By bridging extraterrestrial and terrestrial needs, plasma-driven ISRU represents a dual-use innovation platform for advancing sustainable engineering under extreme constraints.