Honoring Tom Bacon: The Unsung Hero Behind Apollo Missions' Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Key Ideas
  • Tom Bacon developed the first practical working hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell that powered the Apollo Missions, providing electricity, air conditioning, lighting, and drinking water for astronauts.
  • His pioneering work laid the foundation for hydrogen fuel technology, contributing to a more sustainable future and addressing global challenges.
  • His dedication to advancing fuel cells extended beyond space exploration, envisioning their use in everyday applications like distributed power generation and transportation.
  • Tom Bacon's legacy continues to inspire innovation and sustainability efforts at the University of Cambridge and Marshall of Cambridge.
The Cambridge & District Blue Plaque Scheme has unveiled a blue plaque at Marshall of Cambridge to honor Tom Bacon, the engineer behind the hydrogen fuel cell that powered the Apollo Missions. Tom Bacon's fuel cells provided essential power for the Apollo 11 mission, which landed the first man on the moon in 1969. President Nixon famously credited Tom Bacon for enabling the moon landing. Throughout his career, Bacon's work on fuel cells embodied innovation and sustainability, addressing pressing global challenges long before these terms became mainstream. His invention not only propelled humanity to the moon but also laid the groundwork for modern hydrogen fuel technology. Tom Bacon's son, Edward, highlighted his father's vision for fuel cells in practical applications beyond space missions, emphasizing their potential in power generation, emergency supply, and transportation. Despite initial challenges and lack of industry interest, Bacon's relentless pursuit of fuel cell development eventually led to significant advancements, demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Bacon's collaboration with Marshall of Cambridge yielded a groundbreaking 6 kW system that showcased the efficiency and reliability of the fuel cell technology. His contribution to space exploration and sustainable technology continues to inspire future generations at the University of Cambridge and Marshall of Cambridge.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2024 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.