Could a space colony make its own Oxygen from atomic oxygen ?

Question

I understand from a previous question that molecular oxygen is presently known only from the Earth but that atoms of oxygen are found widely in the universe.

If a human space colony was established far away in space would it need to import canisters of oxygen or could it produce its own oxygen ? Does such a technology already exist ?

Thank You

If 'atomic oxygen' does not exist in the universe then, I assume, it exists in the universe always as molecules.

Fine. But is it possible at present, given our state of technology, for a space colony far away to be self sufficient for its oxygen requirements ?

Answer 1

There's not enough atomic oxygen in space to do anyone any good, it's just too scarce.

Better bet is SiO2, which can be found on the lunar surface.
Or, by breaking apart H2O with electricity derived from solar panels.

You'd get the H2O by mining Ice from the asteroids, or from the south poles of the Moon or Mars. Water is too expensive per pound to boost into LEO.

Answer 2

Oxygen can be easily extracted from water with electricity. There is plenty of water in places like Mars and some of the moons of Saturn and Jupiter. Oxygen can also be extracted from carbon dioxide, but not so easily as from water. The atmospheres of Mars and Venus are almost 100% carbon dioxide. There is also plenty of oxygen chemically bound to the lunar rock and there are real plans to use it. See the source.

Answer 3

Yes, they would be self sufficient and generate their own oxygen from water. NASA is actively looking for water deposits on the moon and Mars as sites for colonies. Water can easily broken into oxygen and hydrogen, both very useful substances for a colony.

Answer 4

Nope. There is no such thing as 'atomic oxygen'. 1 atom does not make up oxygen.