What is the approximate composition of the Martian atmosphere that serves as a readily available feedstock for chemical processing?
Answer
About 95% carbon dioxide ($ ext{CO}_2$)
The Martian atmosphere is predominantly composed of carbon dioxide, measured at approximately 95%. This abundance makes $ ext{CO}_2$ a readily accessible feedstock for chemical conversion processes on the planet. This atmospheric gas is chemically processed to generate breathable oxygen for life support or combined with hydrogen derived from water ice to synthesize methane ($ ext{CH}_4$), which is a usable component for rocket fuel, thereby supporting the ISRU framework.
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