Scientists extracted water and oxygen from moon dust using sunlight. Could it work on the lunar surface?

Astronauts in bulky spacesuits walk on a dusty grey surface alongside arrays of square solar panels and glass domed habitats. earth can be seen in a black, starry sky overhead.

Soil excavated from the moon could be used to produce oxygen and methane, which could be used by lunar settlers for breathing and for rocket fuel.

This is the conclusion of a team of scientists from China who have found a one-step method of doing all this. Whether it is economically viable, however, is up for debate.