Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have successfully created rocket fuel and oxygen using a new “artificial photosynthesis” technology.

The breakthrough, which uses basic equipment and minimal energy, converts carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and rocket fuel ingredients, such as ethylene.

This technology, under development since 2015, mimics plant photosynthesis and could support China’s future moon base.

It is more energy-efficient than the electrolysis technology used on the International Space Station, Live Science has reported.

This achievement is part of a series of experiments conducted on the Tiangong, including growing plants and lighting a match in space.

Written by B.C. Begley