Honda R&D Collaborates for Innovative Space Hydrogen Project
Key Ideas
  • Honda R&D, Sierra Space, and Tec-Masters are developing a regenerative fuel cell system using space-produced hydrogen for electricity and oxygen on future space missions.
  • The project involves testing a high-differential pressure water electrolysis system on the International Space Station, creating a closed-loop energy cycle with water as the only byproduct.
  • During the lunar day, solar-powered electricity generates hydrogen and oxygen, while stored oxygen supports astronauts' breathable air at night when sunlight is absent.
  • Sierra Space and Tec-Masters play key roles in the project as the space mission integrator and ISS technology expert respectively, with Sierra Space already completing tests of a liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen-fueled engine.
Honda R&D is at the forefront of developing an innovative regenerative fuel cell system that aims to use hydrogen produced in space to generate electricity and provide breathable oxygen for future space missions. In partnership with Sierra Space and Tec-Masters, Honda plans to test its high-differential pressure water electrolysis system on the International Space Station (ISS). This system will utilize solar-powered electricity to produce hydrogen and oxygen, which will then be fed into a regenerative fuel cell to generate electricity. The closed-loop energy cycle ensures that water is the only byproduct, which will be recycled back into the electrolysis system. During the lunar day, the system will operate using solar panels to generate electricity, and at night, stored oxygen will support astronauts' breathable air when there is no sunlight. Sierra Space will act as the primary space mission integrator, collaborating with NASA to transport materials on its Dream Chaser spaceplane. On the other hand, Tec-Masters will serve as the ISS technology expert. Recently, Sierra Space completed a successful test campaign of its new liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen-fueled upper-stage engine at a US Air Force Base in California. This collaboration showcases a significant step towards sustainable space exploration and highlights the potential of hydrogen as a renewable energy source in space missions.
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