Lastly, a corrosion failure analysis of a hollow copper coil used in a generator's cooling water system revealed that oxygen and carbon dioxide leaks led to severe corrosion and system plugging.

Mayne, J. E. O., Menter, J. W., and Pryor, M. J., J. Chem. Soc. (in the press).

Before them stood a silvery metal contraption swathed in colourful wires – a box that they hope will one day make oxygen on the moon. Once the team vacated the sphere, the experiment began.