What process is used to split water ice into breathable oxygen and propellant components?
Answer
Electrolysis
The process fundamental to utilizing water ice for life support and propulsion on the Moon is electrolysis. This process involves passing an electric current through the $ ext{H}_2 ext{O}$ molecules, which causes them to split apart. The resulting products are breathable oxygen ($ ext{O}_2$) for astronauts and hydrogen ($ ext{H}_2$). These two elements are the core components used to create cryogenic rocket propellant, which is essential for establishing a self-sufficient fuel depot capable of supporting missions traveling beyond lunar orbit.
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