In a recent test dated August 7, 2025, a solar concentrator was observed capturing light as part of the Carbothermal Reduction Demonstration (CaRD) project. The primary goal of this project is to extract oxygen from simulated lunar regolith for potential use at the Moon’s south pole. As reported by NASA, the team successfully combined the solar concentrator, mirrors, and software to generate carbon monoxide during the test.
If this technology is eventually utilized on the Moon, it could pave the way for manufacturing propellant using lunar resources and solar energy. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce costs and the complexity associated with maintaining a sustained human presence on the Moon’s surface. Furthermore, the same process used to convert carbon monoxide into oxygen can be applied to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and methane on Mars.
The CaRD project received financial support from NASA’s Game Changing Development Program. This program focuses on developing innovative technologies for future space missions and addressing critical national requirements.
Original Source: NASA